The NFL has ended its evaluation of sexual assault allegations that had been levied in opposition to Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson in September, a league spokesperson advised ESPN.
The spokesperson stated there was inadequate proof to help a discovering of a violation of the private conduct coverage.
Sooner or later after the Browns’ season opener, a brand new lawsuit was filed accusing Watson of sexual assault and battery. In October, legal professionals for each side advised ESPN the case had been resolved. Lawyer Tony Buzbee, who represented the girl who was suing Watson, advised ESPN that there was a confidential settlement.
In line with the lawsuit, which was filed Sept. 9 in Harris County, Texas, the alleged actions occurred in October 2020 earlier than Watson and a girl, recognized as Jane Doe within the court docket submitting, had been set to have dinner at her condo. Watson was a member of the Houston Texans on the time.
Watson denied the allegations in a press release issued by his lawyer, Rusty Hardin. The NFL had been reviewing the grievance beneath the private conduct coverage, however the league didn’t place Watson on the commissioner exempt record as a result of there have been no formal expenses filed and the evaluation had simply begun.
Watson, 29, served an 11-game suspension in 2022 after greater than two dozen ladies accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct throughout therapeutic massage classes. A pair of Texas grand juries declined to pursue legal expenses in opposition to him, however he served his suspension after the NFL and the NFL Gamers Affiliation reached a settlement in his disciplinary matter.
He additionally was required to pay a tremendous of $5 million and endure necessary analysis by behavioral specialists and comply with their advised therapy program earlier than being reinstated by the league.
Watson settled 23 of the 24 lawsuits filed in opposition to him in summer season 2022.
The lawsuit filed in September was unrelated to the 2 remaining lively lawsuits (one from summer season 2022 plus one other filed that October) from ladies who accused Watson of sexual misconduct throughout therapeutic massage classes.
Watson began seven video games this season earlier than sustaining a season-ending proper Achilles tendon tear in Week 7. He has posted the bottom whole QBR within the NFL.
