NFL closes latest investigation of Deshaun Watson
Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox
FILE PHOTO: Sep 22, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson walks off the field after the Browns lost to the New York Giants at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images/File Photo
REUTERS
The latest NFL investigation into an alleged sexual assault by Deshaun Watson was concluded with no action taken against the Cleveland Browns quarterback.
A league spokesperson informed multiple media outlets on Friday, "There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy."
Watson's lawyer Rusty Hardin responded to the news, telling the Washington Post, "We are delighted to put this issue behind us so that Deshaun can concentrate on recovering from his injury and preparing for next season."
In September, a woman filed suit against Watson, alleging she was the victim of a sexual assault in October 2020. The case was settled a month later, the woman's lawyer announced.
The latest allegation dated back to Watson's time with the Houston Texans, where he was dogged by accusations of sexual assault and misconduct. In all, 24 civil lawsuits were filed against Watson, who settled 23 of them.
In response to those suits, the NFL suspended Watson for the first 11 games of the 2022 season and fined him $5 million under its personal conduct policy. That was Watson's first year with the Browns, who acquired him in a trade with the Texans and gave the quarterback a deal that featured a then-NFL-record guaranteed $230 million.
This year, Watson led the Browns to a 1-6 record before tearing his right Achilles tendon on Oct. 20 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He is out for the remainder of the season but is still set to make $46 million in both 2025 and 2026.
--Field Level Media REUTERS
