The Cleveland Browns made a controversial decision to trade for three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson back in March of 2022. Watson, who did not play at all in 2021, was suspended by the NFL for 11 games of the 2022 season due to his violation of the league’s personal conduct policy.
His violation, as fans are well aware, came in the form of multiple lawsuits for sexual misconduct by Houston-area massage therapists. In total, Watson had 22 suits brought against him, and all of them were settled out of court.
To add to the controversy, the Browns gave Watson a fully guaranteed five-year $230 million contract.
The Cleveland Browns Have Not Gotten Their Money’s Worth from Deshaun Watson
In addition to his suspension, Watson had to pay a $5 million fine to the NFL for violating the personal conduct policy. When he finally did take the field for them in November of 2022, the expectation was that he would return to his Pro Bowl self.
That did not, and has not, happened.
In six games with Cleveland in 2022, Watson completed just 58.2% of his passes for 1,102 yards, seven touchdowns, five interceptions, and a 79.1 passer rating.
Last season, Watson again appeared in just six games, this time due to various injuries. He was not much better, completing 61.4% of his passes for 1,115 yards, seven touchdowns, four interceptions, and an 84.3 passer rating.
Cleveland Browns Quarterback Deshaun Watson Is Facing Another, More Serious Lawsuit
2024 was supposed to be the year that Watson, fully healthy and with his legal issues behind him, would guide the Browns to the NFL Playoffs and, perhaps, to the Super Bowl. He got off to a rough start on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, completing just 53% of his passes for 169 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions.
Whether or not Watson will get a chance to improve upon those numbers in now uncertain given the new allegation that has been brought against him. Frankly, he probably should not have been in a Browns, or any other NFL, uniform since his previous allegations came to light.
According to a new lawsuit that has been filed in Texas, Watson is accused of sexually assaulting a woman he had planned to take out on a date. Per the lawsuit (via Pro Football Talk):
“Jane Doe came out of her bathroom to investigate Watson’s silence and shockingly found him completely naked on her bed, lying face-down on his stomach. While Jane Doe stood there in shock, Watson turned his head and aggressively insisted that she massage him, gesturing to his buttocks. Jane Doe asked if Watson meant he wanted her to massage his back, but Watson indicated that it was his buttocks he wanted massaged.
“Jane Doe was at this point in the encounter terrified. She was in her small apartment with a much larger man, and she was still reeling from Watson’s outburst and aggression on the phone. Doe thus tried to appease Watson by rubbing his back, rather than his buttocks. Watson began insisting, again, that she focus on his glutes. Seemingly frustrated that Doe would only rub his back, Watson then turned over, revealing an erection. Watson continued to demand that Jane Doe massage him, gesturing from his knees to his groin. Jane Doe froze in fear, unsure of how to refuse Watson’s advances without jeopardizing her safety. Confused and scared, she reiterated to Watson that she wasn’t a masseuse. Watson asked her what she wanted to do instead.
“Before Jane Doe could answer, Watson grabbed Jane Doe’s leg and positioned her so that she was lying down. Watson then partially disrobed Jane Doe and penetrated her vagina without consent, implicit or explicit. Jane Doe felt paralyzed, unsure if she should risk her safety by trying to stop Watson or endure his assault. Watson roughly sexually assaulted Jane Doe for several minutes in a ‘missionary position’ before grabbing her and flipping her over. Watson continued to assault Doe aggressively from behind. Jane Doe finally gathered the courage and strength to escape Watson. Jane Doe quickly ran to her dresser to grab a heavy piece of décor for self-defense, and yelled at Watson [to] get out of her apartment. Enraged, Watson stormed out of Jane Doe’s apartment.”
Unlike his previous lawsuits, which were brought by massage therapists who were paid for massage services, this one accuses Watson of outright sexual assault.
This is important because, in Texas, crimes of sexual misconduct have a statute of limitations of two years. Crimes of sexual assault, however, have a statute of limitations of five years.
The alleged incident described above took place on October 10, 2020.
Fans Want the NFL to Ban Cleveland Browns Quarterback Deshaun Watson
Many NFL fans were not happy that Watson was given a second chance in the NFL after his first round of lawsuits. Now that this one has been filed, and given the fact that it details even worse actions than the others, these fans want the NFL to step in and ban him.
Deshaun Watson, you’re a sick man. @NFL please terminate his contract
— Robert Murray (@robmurray310) September 9, 2024
the nfl should do this to deshaun watson pic.twitter.com/BwGQumAtky
— Clair O’Juul (@clairojuul) September 9, 2024
This guy is a legitimate psychopath https://t.co/nwzDZlk7pL pic.twitter.com/Yc9tbb1Jwb
— Big Game Bengal (@BengalYouTube) September 9, 2024
TW: SA@nflcommish @Browns this man needs to be fired & banned immediately. clearly the number of stories about him similar to this one don’t bother you, but enough is enough. being in the nfl is supposed to be a privilege, not a right due to talent. which he doesn’t have. https://t.co/bozoP87l8y
— marisa (@marisadeluco) September 9, 2024
I’m begging those with the authority to do so to get this freak as far away from Cleveland as possible https://t.co/mCTx2OcRqc
— Joey- Cade Smith enjoyer (@GuardsJoey) September 9, 2024
TW: SA , sexual assault
Put him in jail. The nfl has to kick him out https://t.co/hLzbAIBPPF
— HB 💜💜💜💜 (@hannahbasso13) September 9, 2024
While Watson is technically innocent until proven guilty, this is the 23rd lawsuit brought against him by a woman accusing him of sexual wrongdoing. What is more, this one details a violent sexual assault.
At the absolute very least, the NFL should suspend him until his case is investigated and brought to a conclusion. When/if he is found guilty, he should be permanently banned from the league. At that point, of course, he could also be looking at some serious jail time.
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