NFL Player Deshaun Watson’s Attorney Says ‘He Will Ultimately Be Vindicated’ As He Faces Another Sexual Assault Lawsuit
NFL Player Deshaun Watson’s Attorney Says ‘He Will Ultimately Be Vindicated’ As He Faces Another Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Update (Sept. 12, 2024): Deshaun Watson is denying the latest sexual assault lawsuit against him.
His attorney Rusty Hardin said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept. 11),
“Deshaun strongly denies the allegations in the Jane Doe lawsuit filed Monday. We have asked him not to comment further while this matter works its way through the courts, but are comfortable he will ultimately be vindicated. We will be ready to defend this case in court at the appropriate time, but don’t intend to conduct our defense in the media. We would ask that people be patient while the legal process runs its course.”
Original Story (Sept. 10, 2024):Deshaun Watson is back in the headlines with yet another legal battle.
On Monday, September 9, the Cleveland Browns quarterback was sued in Houston for sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The lawsuit, filed under the Jane Doe pseudonym, accuses Deshaun Watson of a disturbing encounter during a date on October 10, 2020. The allegations echo many of the claims made in over 20 lawsuits against him in 2021, though this time, the setting was not a massage session but a personal date.
According to the lawsuit, Deshaun Watson, 28, became enraged when he struggled to locate the woman’s apartment, allegedly yelling,
“I don’t have time for this.”
Once inside, the situation escalated. Jane Doe claims she was in the bathroom finishing her makeup when she discovered Watson completely naked in her bedroom. He allegedly demanded that she massage him, gesturing toward his buttocks, despite her protest that she wasn’t a masseuse.
The lawsuit provides a graphic account of the encounter, describing how Watson reportedly assaulted the woman after she hesitated to comply with his demands. Jane Doe alleges that Watson sexually assaulted her in multiple ways before she managed to escape, grabbing a heavy object for self-defense and shouting for him to leave her apartment.
This new lawsuit could have serious implications for Watson, both legally and professionally. The quarterback, who was suspended for 11 games last year following similar accusations by 25 women, now faces further scrutiny under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. There is speculation that if Watson is suspended again, the Browns could void his remaining salary guarantees.
While Watson has not commented on the new allegations, his past defense has been one of denial. This case, however, brings renewed focus on his conduct and could once again overshadow his football career.
What do you think about the new lawsuit against Deshaun Watson? Share your thoughts below.
[VIA]