The NFL has ended its evaluate of sexual assault allegations that have been levied towards Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson in September, a league spokesperson advised ESPN.
The spokesperson mentioned there was inadequate proof to assist a discovering of a violation of the non-public conduct coverage.
Someday after the Browns’ season opener, a brand new lawsuit was filed accusing Watson of sexual assault and battery. In October, attorneys for each side advised ESPN the case had been resolved. Lawyer Tony Buzbee, who represented the lady who was suing Watson, advised ESPN that there was a confidential settlement.
In accordance 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, have been set to have dinner at her residence. Watson was a member of the Houston Texans on the time.
Watson denied the allegations in a press release issued by his legal professional, Rusty Hardin. The NFL had been reviewing the grievance underneath the non-public conduct coverage, however the league didn’t place Watson on the commissioner exempt listing as a result of there have been no formal costs filed and the evaluate 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 periods. A pair of Texas grand juries declined to pursue prison costs towards 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 bear obligatory analysis by behavioral specialists and observe their prompt therapy program earlier than being reinstated by the league.
Watson settled 23 of the 24 lawsuits filed towards 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 periods.
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.
