Deshaun Watson Assault Charges: NFL to Investigate Latest Allegation Against Quarterback

The NFL says it is investigating the latest sexual assault allegation against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.

A woman filed a civil lawsuit against Watson in Houston, Texas, on Monday, seeking $1 million (£764,000) in damages over an incident that allegedly occurred during a date in October 2020.

The NFL said Watson will not be suspended immediately as no criminal charges have been filed and an investigation into the matter has just begun.

The Browns say they will “respect due process” and follow “the NFL’s guidelines” in this matter.

In August 2022, Watson was suspended for 11 games without pay and fined $5 million following an investigation into multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.

He was accused of sexual abuse and inappropriate behavior during massage sessions that took place between March 2020 and March 2021.

Watson denied the allegations and two grand juries found there was not enough evidence to charge him. He later reached confidential settlements with 23 of the 24 women in the summer of 2022.

The 28-year-old left the Houston Texans in March 2022, signing a five-year contract worth $230 million (£174.4 million), an NFL record fee.

He played in the Browns’ season-opening loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.