Content material warning: This text comprises depictions of alleged sexual assault.
The lady accusing Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and battery in a civil lawsuit will meet with the NFL to debate the allegations inside the subsequent two weeks, in response to her lawyer.
Legal professional Tony Buzbee informed Professional Soccer Speak’s Mike Florio that his shopper and two individuals who spoke to her instantly after the alleged assault will interview with the league. Buzbee additionally mentioned there’s video to supply “that will likely be pertinent.”
Buzbee added in an e mail to ESPN that he does not view the NFL’s disciplinary course of favorably, however his shopper selected to talk to the league and cooperate in its investigation.
“We will likely be scheduling a gathering with the NFL and hope that may be achieved within the subsequent two weeks,” Buzbee wrote to ESPN. “We’ve a video and two further witnesses for the NFL to talk with. I’ve personally by no means had confidence within the NFL’s disciplinary course of however my shopper has chosen to interact it.”
The lawsuit was filed Monday in Harris County, Texas, and says the incident in query occurred in October 2020 whereas Watson performed for the Houston Texans. In line with the lawsuit, Watson and the plaintiff deliberate to have dinner at her condo, however Watson turned offended and aggressive when he couldn’t discover her tackle.
After inviting him in, the lady completed getting ready after which left her rest room to search out Watson bare on her mattress, mendacity on his abdomen. Watson then insisted she therapeutic massage his buttocks and when she refused, he demanded to be massaged in his groin space. She once more declined, after which Watson allegedly sexually assaulted her. The lady finally escaped and yelled at Watson to get out of her condo.
By means of his legal professional, Watson denied the allegations on Wednesday. Legal professional Rusty Hardin mentioned Watson would “defend this case in court docket,” however not accomplish that by the media.
The NFL mentioned it’s investigating the lawsuit underneath the league’s private conduct coverage. Nevertheless, the league will not place Watson on the commissioner’s exempt record as a result of no formal fees have been filed and the NFL has simply begun its overview of the matter.
Assertion from #Browns on Deshaun Watson from Browns Spokesperson:
“We are going to respect the due course of our authorized system affords relating to the not too long ago filed civil swimsuit and observe the NFL’s pointers on this matter.”— Fred Greetham (@FredGreetham9) September 10, 2024
Watson was suspended for 11 video games in 2022 following greater than 20 accusations of sexual assault, many from therapeutic massage therapists, whereas he performed with the Texans. He was not criminally charged in any of the circumstances and has frequently denied all allegations, together with in a information convention this week. Houston traded Watson to the Browns earlier than the 2022 season.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned Wednesday that Watson will begin as scheduled for the workforce’s Week 2 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In Week 1’s 33–17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Watson handed for 169 yards, one landing and two interceptions on 24-for-45 passing.
“We are going to respect the due course of our authorized system affords relating to the not too long ago filed civil swimsuit and observe the NFL’s pointers on this matter,” the Browns mentioned in an announcement.
