Jonathan Dale Benton|NFL investigating lawsuit filed against Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, accused of sexual assault

2025-05-01 03:40:33source:Burley Garciacategory:Finance

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Jonathan Dale BentonNFL said Tuesday it is investigating the latest civil lawsuit filed against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson to determine if he violated the league’s personal conduct policy.

On Monday, a woman in Texas accused Watson of sexual assault in 2020 while he played for Houston.

“We are reviewing the complaint and we will look into the matter under the personal conduct policy,” league spokesperson Brian McCarthy said. “Not looking at commissioner’s exempt list as there’s been no formal charges and the league’s review has just begun.”

According to the lawsuit filed in Harris County, Texas, the woman alleged Watson forced himself on her sexually during an incident at her apartment four years ago.

Watson was suspended 11 games by the league in 2022 after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions. Watson was also fined $5 million.

The Browns, who traded five draft picks for the three-time Pro Bowler in 2022, also released a statement.

“We will respect the due process our legal system affords regarding the recently filed civil suit and follow the NFL’s guidelines on this matter,” the team said.

RELATED COVERAGE Fantasy plays: Players to start and sit for NFL Week 2Dolphins star Tyreek Hill had an altercation with police. Here’s what we knowJets struggle in opener, but Saleh says 0-1 with Rodgers feels better than 1-0 last year without him

Watson’s career in Cleveland has been sidetracked by his legal issues, the suspension and a shoulder injury that limited him to just six starts last season. On Sunday, the 28-year-old played his first game since breaking a bone in his throwing shoulder in November and undergoing surgery.

Watson completed 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, who sacked Cleveland’s QB six times.

The Browns play at Jacksonville this week.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

More:Finance

Recommend

NYPD official indicates that Mangione's family did not send in any tips

New York police officials are speaking out about tips in regard to the Dec. 4 killing of UnitedHealt

Trader Joe's cookies recalled because they may contain rocks

Trader Joe's is recalling two kinds of almond cookies because they may contain rocks, the popular re

Potent Greenhouse Gases and Ozone Depleting Chemicals Called CFCs Are Back on the Rise Following an International Ban, a New Study Finds

Emissions of a small group of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), man-made chemicals that destroy Earth’s pr