New Deshaun Watson lawsuit could expose Browns QB to further punishment by NFL

Watson was suspended 11 games in 2022 after being acquired from the Texans

By Jonathan Jones Sep 13, 2024 at 5:46 pm ET• 4 min read

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson faces another civil lawsuit alleging sexual misconduct filed Monday in Texas. And as it relates to the NFL and his employment status, what's at issue is whether he violated the terms of his August 2022 settlement with the league.

Sources tell CBS Sports it is believed that the allegations in the latest civil lawsuit would not be covered under his reinstatement agreement. And if a violation of the league's personal conduct policy is found, Watson could again face punishment from the NFL including a fine and/or suspension.

Watson, who previously settled 23 of 24 civil lawsuits in 2022 alleging similar sexual misconduct during massages, has maintained his innocence throughout. Two Texas grand juries declined to indict him two years ago, and he has never been criminally charged. The latest lawsuit, filed by a Jane Doe and represented by the same lawyer as the majority of accusers two years ago, alleges forcible penetration in an incident in October 2020, but there are no criminal charges.

"Deshaun strongly denies the allegations in the Jane Doe lawsuit filed Monday," Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, said in a statement this week. "We have asked him not to comment further while this matter works its way through the courts, but are comfortable he will ultimately be vindicated.