NFL investigates new sexual assault allegation against Browns QB Deshaun Watson
The NFL is reviewing sexual assault allegations against Browns QB Deshaun Watson, but won't place him on the Exempt list due to lack of formal charges.
The ongoing scandal involving Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns quarterback, continues to unfold as the NFL delves into new allegations of sexual assault and battery against the player, as reported by CBS Sports' lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones. The league, however, has not placed Watson on the Commissioner's Exempt list at this time due to the absence of formal charges and the early stage of their review into the accusations.
According to the reports, the latest allegations echo the concerns raised in 2020 by a woman identified as "Jane Doe" in a lawsuit, showcasing widely varying degrees of sexual assault in the past. This filing was initiated by attorney Tony Buzbee, who also represented numerous women who previously accused Watson of sexual assault - over 25 women in total. These earlier lawsuits were settled out of court, leading to an 11-game suspension for Watson during the 2022 season.
Tony Buzbee, after filing the latest suit, remarked, "This is an extremely serious matter. We intend to pursue this case with the same aggressiveness with which we pursued the others. We want a jury trial. As far as any specific comments on the facts of the case, we believe the lawsuit speaks for itself." His statement reflects the gravity with which the new allegations are being treated, indicating the potential ramifications for Watson if these claims are substantiated.Deshaun Watson's Response and League's Position
In light of the new civil suit filed against Watson, a spokesperson for the Cleveland Browns released a statement affirming their commitment to respecting the legal process and following the NFL's guidelines on the matter. As the league moves forward with its review, it remains to be seen what consequences, if any, Watson will face as a result of these latest allegations.
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