National Football League

Browns QB Deshaun Watson accused of sexual assault in civil suit; NFL investigating

Updated Sep. 10, 2024 3:10 p.m. ET

The NFL 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 filed a lawsuit accusing Watson of sexual assault in 2020 while he played for the Houston Texans.

"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.

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 go on the road to play at the Jacksonville Jaguars this week.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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