Deshaun Watson Denies Sexual Assault Allegations, Says Lawsuit Was A Surprise. Plans To Play Sunday

BEREA, OHIO – Deshaun Watson’s third season with the Browns is already off to a terrible start after only one game.

In addition to discussing his weak performance in the season opener, Cleveland’s quarterback was questioned Wednesday about new sexual assault charges made against him in a civil case.

On Monday, a woman in Texas accused Watson of sexual assault and violence in October 2020, while he was playing for Houston. Watson claimed he was unaware of the charges until they were made public in the media.

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Deshaun Watson Denies Sexual Assault Allegations, Says Lawsuit Was A Surprise. Plans To Play Sunday

“I found out exactly when everyone else found out,” said Watson, who is scheduled to start Sunday in Jacksonville.

According to the lawsuit, the lady, only identified as “Jane Doe,” claims Watson “roughly sexually assaulted” her for several minutes during a dinner date at her flat.

During his weekly media appearance, Watson expressed surprise at the charges, adding that he did not know if the woman’s lawyer had approached his legal representation 10 months ago seeking a resolution, as her attorney, Tony Buzbee says.

“I haven’t heard anything,” Watson stated before practice. “I have not spoken with anyone, so I’m not sure. “I am not aware of that.”

Watson’s entrance on the dais occurred about an hour after his attorney, Rusty Hardin, issued a statement stating that the quarterback “strongly denies” the allegations in the case.

The NFL announced Tuesday that it will investigate the situation to determine whether Watson violated the league’s personal conduct policy.

Watson was suspended for 11 games in 2022, months after the Browns signed him to a fully guaranteed, five-year $230 million contract, and fined $5 million after an independent arbiter investigated allegations of sexual misconduct and assault made against him by more than two dozen women during massage therapy sessions.

Hardin stated that he and Watson are “comfortable that he will eventually be vindicated.” We will be prepared to defend this matter in court at the right moment, but we do not intend to do so in the media. We would ask that folks be patient as the judicial process takes its course.”

Watson did not repeat the same denial, instead relying on Hardin’s statement: “exactly how I’m feeling and what we’re going through this process with.”

As Watson spoke, Buzbee responded on Instagram, stating he had approached Hardin about a settlement.

“We knew this case was the most serious and egregious case brought against Watson to date and our client, who is rightly traumatised by these events, wanted to attempt a private resolution,” Buzbee told the court. “Unfortunately, Watson’s team or maybe his lawyers couldn’t or wouldn’t give this case the attention it was due.”

Buzbee, who has represented the majority of the other women in previous lawsuits, claimed the QB was aware of his client’s allegations.

“Watson was completely aware of this victim and her accusations soon after it occurred,” Buzbee stated, “and Watson was reminded once more when we filed the initial complaint for the other several victims. He is fully aware of what he did. This is a strong case, and now that we have filed, we will pursue it vigorously.”

Buzbee claims he has subsequently been contacted by Hardin and his staff. He also stated that he had heard from NFL counsel “and will respond in due course.”

Watson settled 23 of 24 civil actions before his suspension in 2022. Depending on the league’s findings, the three-time Pro Bowler might be suspended again, but he hasn’t considered any potential punishment.

“My focus is figuring out Jacksonville’s plan on defence and focussing on my craft to be the best quarterback I can be on Sunday for this team,” according to him. “That’s something that the NFL has to do on their time and I have to focus on what’s in front of me right now.”

The new lawsuit is the latest twist in Watson’s turbulent stint with the Browns. Due to his suspension and a significant right shoulder injury in 2023, he has only made 13 starts in three seasons with Cleveland.

In light of the fresh claims, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski stated that he would not consider benching the quarterback this week.

Deshaun Watson Denies Sexual Assault Allegations, Says Lawsuit Was A Surprise. Plans To Play Sunday

“We’ll let due process play out and follow the NFL’s guidelines,” Stefanski said to reporters.

Watson struggled in Cleveland’s season opener, his first game since having surgery in November to repair a fracture in his throwing shoulder. He was cautious, imprecise, and kept the ball for too long, prompting boos from the home fans.

He went 24 of 45 for 169 yards, a touchdown, two interceptions, and a passing rating of 51.1. Watson was sacked six times and hit 17 times as the Cowboys’ defense faced a Browns line that lacked starting tackles.

Afterward, Watson revealed that his father and a close friend had died in the days preceding the game.

“I’m not going to sit up here and make any excuses for anything that’s off the pitch is what’s causing on the pitch,” he claimed. “I just got to be better this week, and I will be better.”

SOURCE | AP