Final Two Sexual Misconduct Cases Against Deshaun Watson Dismissed
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has seen the final two sexual misconduct cases against him dismissed, according to recent court records. This development effectively concludes the extensive legal saga that has shadowed the NFL star since 2021, when numerous allegations first surfaced.
Resolution of Nearly 30 Cases
Watson, who previously reached confidential settlements with 20 women over sexual misconduct lawsuits in 2022, has now had the last two of nearly 30 cases against him dismissed. These lawsuits were set to proceed to trial in the coming weeks, but their dismissal marks a significant turning point in the protracted scandal.
The allegations against Watson originated during his tenure with the Houston Texans, before his high-profile acquisition by the Cleveland Browns. The Browns signed him to a substantial five-year contract worth $230 million, a deal that has been scrutinised in light of the allegations.
Nature of the Allegations
In 2021, 27 women came forward with serious accusations against Watson, detailing incidents that allegedly occurred during massage appointments. The court filings in Texas included claims that Watson exposed himself, touched women with his genitals, or kissed them without consent. Some of the women alleged that Watson forced them to perform oral sex, with one woman accusing him of sexual assault.
Watson has consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the legal proceedings. His attorney, Rusty Hardin, previously characterised the allegations as "meritless", and two separate Texas grand juries declined to indict him on criminal charges.
Legal Consequences and Settlements
The NFL took disciplinary action against Watson for off-field conduct violations related to what was described as "predatory" behaviour involving more than two dozen women. He served an 11-game suspension during the 2022 season and was assessed a $5 million fine.
Attorney Tony Buzbee, representing one of the women in the recently dismissed cases, confirmed that the lawsuit had been settled. Buzbee declined to provide further details, citing the confidentiality of the settlement agreement. His client had alleged that Watson touched her with his penis multiple times during a massage session.
It remains unclear whether the other dismissed lawsuit was also settled. Anissah Nguyen, the attorney for the woman who filed that lawsuit, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Her client had accused Watson of pressuring her to perform oral sex during a massage appointment.
Broader Legal Context
David Ring, a California-based attorney specialising in sexual assault cases who is not connected to the Watson lawsuits, noted that it is not unusual for such cases to be settled before trial. "The majority of civil lawsuits are typically resolved before going to trial," Ring explained. "High-profile defendants typically don't want cases to play out in a public courtroom. He's trying to put all of this behind him."
The legal issues extended beyond Watson himself. The woman represented by Nguyen had also sued the Houston Texans, alleging that the team provided assistance and resources that enabled Watson's alleged misconduct. That lawsuit against the Texans was dismissed last week as well.
In July 2022, 30 women who accused the Texans of ignoring allegations against their former star quarterback settled their legal claims against the team. A spokesperson for the Texans did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the recent dismissals.
Looking Forward
With these dismissals, it is believed that Watson has no other pending lawsuits related to the sexual misconduct allegations. The scandal, which involved accusations spanning from 2017 to 2020, has now reached its legal conclusion through a combination of settlements and dismissals.
Watson's legal team has declined to comment on the recent developments. In a 2023 deposition, Watson stated regarding one of the accusers, "I don't remember or recall any sexual encounters with her." As the cases are now resolved, Watson and the Cleveland Browns organisation will likely seek to move forward from the controversy that has dominated headlines for years.
