Watson’s alleged sexual assault victim to meet with NFL | News, Sports, Jobs

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is helped by James Hudson III, left, after Watson threw an incomplete pass in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Cleveland, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/David Richard)

CLEVELAND — A woman accusing Deshaun Watson of sexual assault could meet within the next two weeks with the NFL, which is investigating the Cleveland Browns quarterback’s off-field behavior, the woman’s attorney said Thursday.

Attorney Tony Buzbee said in an email to multiple media outlets that his client, who filed a civil lawsuit in Houston on Monday accusing Watson of sexual assault and battery, will speak with the league soon.

Additionally, Buzbee, who has represented two dozen other women in lawsuits against Watson, said he has video and two additional witnesses.

Watson, who served an 11-game suspension to start the 2022 season because of the previous allegations, could face additional punishment if he fails to disclose the incident with the woman during previous league investigations. That incident occurred in 2020, according to the lawsuit.

The woman, identified only as “Jane Doe,” said in the complaint that Watson “sexually assaulted her for several minutes” while he was in her apartment at a dinner party.

The Browns continue to stand by Watson, who will start Sunday against Jacksonville. Coach Kevin Stefanski said he has no plans to bench Watson despite the seriousness of the new charges.

On Wednesday, Watson said he “strongly denies” the woman’s claims and that the trial had taken him by surprise.

Watson is likely to speak to league investigators at some point. He said he has not considered the possibility of another suspension.

“I haven’t really thought about it, honestly,” he said. “I’m focused on Jacksonville’s defensive scheme and being the best quarterback I can be on Sunday for this team. That’s something the NFL has to do on its own time and I have to focus on what’s in front of me right now.”

The Browns traded three first-round picks to the Texans for Watson, who initially rejected Cleveland’s offer before waiving a no-trade clause and accepting the deal after the team offered him a five-year, $230 million, fully guaranteed contract.

Watson has made just 13 starts in three seasons. His 2023 season ended after six starts when he broke a bone in his right shoulder and required surgery.

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