New, different charge filed versus Browns Deshaun Watson from back in 2020

The details in the allegation are similarly disturbing as previous allegations but slightly different

When the Cleveland Browns acquired QB Deshaun Watson, much of the off-the-field issues were well-known and documented. The Browns, along with a number of other teams, still pursued Watson with the hope that the star quarterback could elevate their team to a Super Bowl level.

So far, Watson has played in just 13 games for Cleveland due to an 11-game suspension for the sexual abuse allegations and a shoulder injury. Due to the on-the-field play, discussions around Watson are about the inability to get out of his contract and how long of a leash the Browns should give him as the starting quarterback.

Monday, the on-the-field issues once again took a backseat as Watson had another lawsuit filed against him for “sexual assault and battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress”:

The accusations are strikingly similar to those made against Watson in more than 20 lawsuits filed in 2021. However, the plaintiff in the new case, who filed under the Jane Doe pseudonym, contends that she went on a date with Watson. Most if not all other cases arose from paid massages that Watson had arranged.

The details of the lawsuit, much like those already known, are highly concerning. As noted above, the date aspect adds a different dynamic but many of the other details of allegations follow suit with those from previous lawsuits including Watson insisting on a massage before sexually assaulting her.

DBN has obtained and reviewed a copy of the Complaint from the Harris County District Court, verifying the details in Pro Football Talk’s original post.

As noted in the article, there is uncertainty about whether this new allegation could lead to more discipline under the Personal Conduct Policy and impact his future with the Browns:

This new case raises plenty of issues, from the standpoint of the league and the Browns. It’s possible that Watson could be subject to further scrutiny under the Personal Conduct Policy. It’s also possible that a suspension — if one is imposed — could give the Browns a path toward voiding his remaining salary guarantees and ending the relationship.

Some believe that the NFL will look at this lawsuit as a separate matter from the ones that led to his 11-game suspension:

The NFL has declined to comment according to multiple reports.

We will continue to keep you updated as appropriate on the newest allegation.