Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson expressed surprise at the recent civil lawsuit filed against him by a woman alleging sexual assault four years ago. The woman filed the lawsuit in Texas, claiming Watson forced himself on her during a dinner date in her Houston apartment in 2020, seeking over $1 million in damages.
Watson, who is set to play against Jacksonville this week, stated that he was unaware of the allegations until they were made public on Monday. His attorney released a statement denying the claims in the lawsuit, emphasizing Watson's intention to defend himself in court.
The NFL is investigating the lawsuit to determine if Watson has violated the league's personal conduct policy. Previously, Watson was suspended for 11 games and fined $5 million after facing accusations of sexual misconduct by multiple women.
Both Watson and his attorney have refrained from further comments on the matter, opting to let the legal process unfold. The plaintiff's attorney countered the denial, stating that Watson was aware of the claims and that attempts were made to resolve the issue privately.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Watson remains focused on his football responsibilities, aiming to concentrate on his performance for the upcoming game against Jacksonville. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski affirmed the team's commitment to following due process and NFL guidelines while maintaining focus on their upcoming game.
Watson, who recently returned to the field after shoulder surgery, has faced challenges in his performance since joining the Browns on a lucrative contract in 2022. The situation continues to evolve as the legal process unfolds, with both sides preparing for the upcoming court proceedings.
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