BEREA, Ohio — Suspended Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s standing with the NFL has not been affected by a brand new civil lawsuit filed by a girl accusing him of sexual misconduct two years in the past, the league mentioned Friday.
Watson is serving an 11-game suspension for alleged sexual misconduct whereas he performed for the Houston Texans. Two dozen girls beforehand alleged he was sexually inappropriate throughout therapeutic massage remedy classes.
Representatives for Watson didn’t instantly reply to an NBC Information request for remark.
On Thursday, the girl filed a lawsuit in Texas that alleges Watson pressured her into performing a intercourse act after a therapeutic massage in 2020. Watson has settled 23 of 24 earlier lawsuits filed in opposition to him. It was unclear if the newest swimsuit was filed by a brand new accuser.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy mentioned the newest lawsuit doesn’t affect Watson’s standing. The three-time Professional Bowler returned to the Browns’ coaching facility this week for the primary time since his suspension started on Aug. 30.
“We’ll monitor developments within the newly-filed litigation; and any conduct that warrants additional investigation or attainable extra sanctions could be addressed throughout the Private Conduct Coverage,” McCarthy mentioned in an electronic mail.
Watson is barely permitted to attend conferences with the Browns and work out as he strikes towards a attainable return, in line with the suspension imposed by the NFL. He’s not allowed to follow till Nov. 14, and so long as he fulfills circumstances of his settlement with the league, he can return totally on Nov. 28 and could be eligible to play on Dec. 4 when the Browns go to the Texans.
Watson agreed to the 11-game ban, a $5 million high-quality and to endure remedy and counseling by an impartial group.
The Browns traded for Watson in March and signed him to a five-year, $240 million contract.
