Deshaun Watson, the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, is the subject of a fresh civil lawsuit brought on Thursday, claiming that he sexually harassed another during a massage at a Houston hotel in December 2020.
The lawsuit, which was filed in Harris County (Texas) District Court, claims that Watson “attempted to solicit sexually related conduct with plaintiff,” who is known only as “Jane Doe.”
After 24 women filed civil lawsuits against him alleging sexual assault during massage therapy sessions, Watson is presently serving an 11-game suspension for breaching the NFL’s personal-conduct policy.
The civil action filed on Thursday — and any others alleging the same conduct — would not affect the conditions of Watson’s settlement or expose him to any further league penalties, according to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero. Watson was officially fined and suspended on August 18.
“Watson’s status remains unchanged,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed in a statement. “We will monitor developments in the newly-filed litigation; and any conduct that warrants further investigation or possible additional sanctions would be addressed within the Personal Conduct Policy.”
On August 18, Watson was given an 11-game suspension, was ordered to pay a $5 million fine, undergo a clinical evaluation, and get regular, needed counseling.
The NFL could look into any complaints if they are of a different nature or if they are claimed to have happened after his suspension decision was made.
Watson, who visited the Browns team facility on Monday for the first time since August 30, negotiated private agreements with 23 of the 24 women who had previously filed lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault.
The Houston-based Universal Law Group filed the lawsuit on Thursday. Tony Buzbee, an attorney, brought all prior lawsuits.
