The NFL will not fine or suspend Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson again for the latest sexual assault allegations against him.
“The matter is closed,” a league spokeswoman told Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer on Friday. “There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of violation of the Personal Conduct Policy.”
As a result, the remainder of Watson’s contract is no longer in danger of being voided. He has two years remaining on the fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract he signed with the Browns through 2022 after being acquired from the Houston Texans. He will be paid $46 million for each of the final two years of the contract.
Watson, 29, was charged with sexual assault and battery in a civil suit filed in early September. Attorney Tony Buzby said his client will meet with the NFL to discuss the allegations and claims there is “relevant” video to claim.
The case was settled in October. Buzby told The Associated Press that the settlement was confidential. According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, this likely means that the NFL was unable to obtain evidence from Watson’s accuser and effectively ended its investigation.
Watson received an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine from the NFL in 2022 in connection with 23 civil lawsuits filed against him by massage therapists for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Watson was accused of sexual misconduct during an appointment while playing for the Texans. The suit, filed in September, was separate from the other proceedings.
The seven-year veteran suffered an Achilles injury in the Browns’ Week 7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and is out for the rest of the 2024-25 season. He is expected to recover and be ready to play next season.
“We are pleased to put this matter behind us so Deshaun can focus on recovering from his injury and preparing for next season,” Watson’s attorney Rusty Hardin said in a statement, via Cleveland.com.
