CLEVELAND (AP) — Deshaun Watson is once more underneath a highlight away from the sector.

The NFL stated Tuesday it’s investigating the most recent civil lawsuit filed towards the Cleveland Browns quarterback for an alleged sexual assault that passed off in 2020 whereas he performed for Houston.

On Monday, a girl in Texas accused Watson of sexually assaulting her throughout an incident at her condominium 4 years in the past. She claims Watson sexually pressured himself on her for a number of minutes. She’s looking for $1 million in damages, based on the swimsuit.

“We’re reviewing the grievance and we are going to look into the matter underneath the non-public conduct coverage,” league spokesperson Brian McCarthy stated. “Not wanting on the commissioner’s exempt checklist as there’s been no formal fees and the league’s evaluation has simply begun.”

The exempt checklist permits Roger Goodell to position a participant on paid go away whereas reviewing his case or uncommon circumstances.

Browns rookie defensive sort out Mike Corridor Jr. has been within the exempt checklist whereas his felony cost for home violence performs out.

Watson, who’s in his third season with Cleveland, was beforehand suspended 11 video games by the league in 2022 after greater than two dozen ladies accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct throughout therapeutic massage remedy periods. Watson was additionally fined $5 million.

He settled 23 of 24 civil lawsuits introduced by the ladies in 2022 earlier than being disciplined by the league.

It’s not recognized if Watson disclosed the most recent allegation to the league — or the Browns — previous to the lawsuit being filed in Harris County, Texas. The girl’s lawyer is Tony Buzbee, who represented a lot of the different therapists of their claims towards the QB.

The Browns, who traded 5 draft picks — three within the first spherical — to the Texans for the three-time Professional Bowler, additionally launched an announcement.

“We are going to respect the due course of our authorized system affords relating to the just lately filed civil swimsuit and observe the NFL’s tips on this matter,” the staff stated.

Watson’s star-crossed profession in Cleveland started with the staff giving him a completely assured $230 million contract.

The Browns’ hopes that he can develop into a long-term reply at quarterback for them has been sidetracked by his authorized points, the prolonged suspension and a shoulder harm that restricted Watson to only six begins final season.

He additionally hasn’t performed as much as expectations in 13 begins. The Browns made the playoffs final season after signing free agent Joe Flacco for the ultimate month.

On Sunday, the 28-year-old Watson had a tough efficiency in his first sport since breaking a bone in his throwing shoulder in November and present process surgical procedure.

Watson, who didn’t play in any respect within the preseason, accomplished 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards with one landing and two interceptions in a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He was additionally sacked six occasions and took a number of extra onerous photographs.

At this level, Watson is predicted to play this week when the Browns go to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Watson usually talks to the media on Wednesdays throughout sport week.

Watson’s shaky efficiency towards the Cowboys did little to diffuse considerations the Browns erred in signing him. He was additionally coping with some private hardship following the loss of life of his organic father and a former Clemson teammate within the days main as much as the opener.

Regardless of quite a few distractions, coach Kevin Stefanski stated Monday he doesn’t really feel Watson has misplaced any confidence.

“Deshaun’s performed at a really, very excessive stage,” Stefanski stated. “He’s gained at each stage of soccer. He doesn’t lack for confidence.”

NOTES: As anticipated, the Browns signed WR Kadarius Toney to their follow squad. Toney was launched by Kansas Metropolis in August after two seasons. A star in one of many Chiefs’ Tremendous Bowl wins, Toney offers Cleveland some skilled depth. … CB Justin Hardee Sr. and WR Tulu Griffin had been launched from the follow squad.

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