Deshaun Watson information: Browns QB 'strongly denies' allegations as coach stands behind 'due course of' amid lawsuit

Amid elevated scrutiny of his on-field efficiency, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is as soon as once more going through off-field hassle, newly accused in a civil lawsuit of a 2020 sexual assault. Watson, nonetheless, “strongly denies” the allegations, his lawyer mentioned Wednesday, and the Browns have given no consideration to sidelining the veteran signal-caller, in keeping with head coach Kevin Stefanski.

“We’ll let due course of play out and comply with the NFL’s tips,” Stefanski informed 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 lady, 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, said in a Wednesday statement. “We’ve requested him to not remark additional whereas this matter works its manner via the courts, however are comfy he’ll in the end be vindicated. We shall be able to defend this case in court docket on the applicable time, however do not intend to conduct our protection within the media. We’d ask that folks be affected person whereas the authorized course of runs its course. Within the meantime, Deshaun goes to focus his power and focus on soccer.”

Watson addressed reporters later Wednesday, pointing to his lawyer’s remarks and repeatedly indicating he is centered on soccer. He downplayed issues over his character, indicating he has the group’s continued assist regardless of the most recent allegations.

“I can not communicate for the followers, I can not communicate for anyone outdoors 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 every day that they assist me they usually bought my again they usually need me to concentrate on being one of the best quarterback I will be. … They know my character. They see me every day. They know precisely who I’m. And I feel that is the distinction. While you’re round me every day, you recognize my aura, you recognize my power, you recognize my character, I feel you’ll perceive who I actually am.”

Tony Buzbee, the lawyer for the alleged sufferer, responded with a statement of his own later Wednesday, claiming he first spent 10 months unsuccessfully attempting to resolve the case privately. He referred to as the lawsuit “essentially the most severe and egregious case introduced towards Watson thus far,” and argued that Watson is “nicely 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 handle the case.

“I can perceive, given the variety of ladies Mr. Watson has interacted with,” Buzbee mentioned, “that he may overlook some or lots of them. Nevertheless, given the character of the alleged conduct on this case, I count on this incident is one thing he would not quickly overlook.”

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 “centered 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 in regards to the NFL probably suspending the quarterback: “Probably not 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 positive 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 classes. Two Texas grand juries declined to file prison expenses towards Watson over his alleged conduct.