Deshaun Watson lawsuit: Plaintiff has video, to satisfy with NFL; Browns QB ‘strongly denies’ allegations
Amid elevated scrutiny of his on-field efficiency, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is as soon as once more dealing with off-field hassle, newly accused in a civil lawsuit of a 2020 sexual assault. Watson, nevertheless, “strongly denies” the allegations, his lawyer mentioned Wednesday, and the Browns have given no consideration to sidelining the veteran signal-caller, in accordance with head coach Kevin Stefanski.
“We’ll let due course of play out and observe the NFL’s tips,” Stefanski instructed reporters Wednesday.
Stefanski added that he “was not conscious of the allegations” previous to their current surfacing. Watson echoed the sentiment, telling reporters later Wednesday that he “came upon precisely when everybody else came upon.”
The lawsuit, filed Monday in Houston, alleges that Watson uncovered himself and sexually assaulted a girl, who’s not been publicly recognized, whereas on a date at her condo.
“Deshaun strongly denies the allegations within the Jane Doe lawsuit filed Monday,” Watson’s lawyer, Rusty Hardin, mentioned in a Wednesday assertion. “We have now requested him to not remark additional whereas this matter works its approach by way of the courts, however are comfy he’ll in the end be vindicated. We will likely be able to defend this case in courtroom on the acceptable time, however do not intend to conduct our protection within the media. We might ask that folks be affected person whereas the authorized course of runs its course. Within the meantime, Deshaun goes to focus his vitality and focus on soccer.”
Tony Buzbee, the lawyer for the alleged sufferer, responded with a assertion of his personal later Wednesday, claiming he first spent 10 months unsuccessfully making an attempt to resolve the case privately. He known as the lawsuit “probably the most severe and egregious case introduced towards Watson to this point,” and argued that Watson is “properly conscious of what he did.” Buzbee added that he is already been contacted by the NFL relating to the allegations, and anticipates a “trial by jury” to deal with the case.
“I can perceive, given the variety of ladies Mr. Watson has interacted with,” Buzbee mentioned, “that he might neglect some or a lot of them. Nonetheless, given the character of the alleged conduct on this case, I anticipate this incident is one thing he would not quickly neglect.”
Buzbee went on to say that the accuser will cooperate with the NFL’s investigation on the matter and added that he has “pertinent” video that he can even share.
“We intend to interview with the NFL in two weeks,” Buzbee instructed Professional Soccer Speak through a press release. “This coming week nevertheless I’ve to go to the Coast Guard hearings in South Carolina relating to the Titan submersible implosion as a result of I signify a sufferer’s household from that. Once I return I intend to make my consumer accessible for interview together with two people who spoke to her instantly after the assault. I even have video to share that will likely be pertinent.”
Watson addressed reporters later Wednesday, pointing to his lawyer’s remarks and repeatedly indicating he is targeted on soccer. He downplayed issues over his character, indicating he has the group’s continued assist regardless of the newest allegations.
“I am unable to communicate for the followers, I am unable to communicate for anyone exterior this constructing,” Watson mentioned, “however I do know that, listening to from the Haslams and [general manager Andrew Berry] and people guys, I do know that they inform me each day that they assist me they usually bought my again they usually need me to deal with being one of the best quarterback I might be. … They know my character. They see me each day. They know precisely who I’m. And I believe that is the distinction. Once you’re round me each day, you recognize my aura, you recognize my vitality, you recognize my character, I believe you’d perceive who I actually am.”
When requested if Watson will swimsuit up for the Browns’ Week 2 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Stefanski confirmed as a lot, saying the quarterback is “targeted on the duty at hand.” He added that he gave “no” consideration to benching Watson given the seriousness of the brand new lawsuit, nor does he have issues concerning the NFL probably suspending the quarterback: “Not likely a consideration from me.”
The NFL is reviewing the brand new lawsuit, which comes roughly two years after the league issued Watson an 11-game suspension and $5 million wonderful for violating the NFL’s private conduct coverage. Previous to his commerce from the Houston Texans to the Browns, the previous Professional Bowler had been accused by greater than 20 completely different ladies of sexual assault or misconduct, which allegedly occurred throughout dozens of therapeutic massage remedy periods. Two Texas grand juries declined to file prison costs towards Watson over his alleged conduct.