Deshaun Watson faces a new sexual assault lawsuit

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is facing renewed allegations of sexual misconduct from a 2020 incident in a Texas lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed by attorney Tony Buzbee, who previously represented multiple women in legal actions against Watson for sexual assault. The National Football League (NFL) had previously suspended Watson for 11 games due to his involvement in these lawsuits, all of which were settled out of court.

The latest lawsuit also accuses Watson of sexual assault and battery. The plaintiff, identified as "Jane Doe," claims that Watson subject her to a deeply unsettling encounter at her residence in October 2020. In a statement to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones, Buzbee emphasized the gravity of the matter and expressed the intention to pursue this case with the same vigor as the previous ones, with the goal of obtaining a jury trial.

According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff's interaction with Watson's representatives began innocuously enough when they approached her at a Houston bar and requested her contact information for the quarterback. Flattered by Watson's attention, she allegedly engaged in text exchanges with him for several months.

Despite declining an invitation to a Houston Galleria event, the plaintiff claims that she extended an invitation to Watson to dine at her apartment. However, on the night of the alleged incident, Watson reportedly exhibited erratic behavior.

On the Night of the Alleged Incident

The lawsuit alleges that Watson called Jane Doe's cellphone, "aggressively yelling and screaming" about being unable to locate her apartment and expressing impatience. When he finally arrived, she claims to have found him completely naked on her bed, lying face down.

According to the plaintiff, Watson insisted that she massage him, despite her expressed discomfort with the request. The lawsuit details a harrowing sequence of events, wherein Watson allegedly sexually assaulted Jane Doe in a manner that left her feeling paralyzed and terrified.

The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $1 million, asserting that Watson's actions caused the plaintiff conscious physical and mental pain and suffering, physical impairment, loss of enjoyment of life and peace of mind, as well as the need for counseling and therapy.