Deshaun Watson settles sexual assault claim in confidential agreement
- Deshaun Watson reached a confidential settlement with a woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2020.
- He faced over 20 allegations of sexual misconduct, resulting in an 11-game suspension in 2022.
- Despite the controversies, Watson remains the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, who are struggling this season.
In 2020, a woman known as 'Jane Doe' accused Deshaun Watson, then a quarterback for the Houston Texans, of sexual assault and battery. The case involved allegations that Watson assaulted her during a massage session, prompting her to grab a heavy object for self-defense. Following the incident, Watson left her apartment. Although the NFL investigated the claims, no formal charges were filed against him, and he was not placed on the commissioner's exempt list. In 2022, Watson faced multiple allegations from over 20 women, resulting in a suspension of 11 games. Ultimately, 23 of the 24 lawsuits against him were settled, including the recent case with Jane Doe, which was resolved confidentially. Despite the controversies surrounding him, Watson continued to play for the Cleveland Browns, where he has struggled on the field, completing 60.2% of his passes with five touchdowns and three interceptions in five games. The Browns' performance has been disappointing, with a record of 1-4, and head coach Kevin Stefanski expressed frustration over miscommunications and penalties affecting the team's play. As the Browns prepare for their upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the focus remains on Watson's performance and the implications of the legal settlements on his career and the team's dynamics.