Former Houston Texans and current Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, 27, is suspended for 11 games this season after facing over 20 sexual misconduct lawsuits.
One of those lawsuits was filed by “Jane Doe,” but Judge Rabeea Sultan Collier ordered the woman, who ran a petition to remain known anonymous, to add her name to the lawsuit, according to ESPN.
That woman followed the court order, which was made in an emergency hearing held in the 113th District Court in Harris County, Texas, and added her name to the lawsuit.
Details of the Lawsuit Against Deshaun Watson
The lawsuit alleges the current 27-year-old Cleveland Browns quarterback “continually pressured Plaintiff into massaging his private area,” court records state.
“At some point during the massage, Watson removed his towel and offered to let her ‘get on top.’ Plaintiff refused to have sex with Watson, however, he was able to pressure her into oral sex with the Defendant,” the suit continues.
Although two grand juries in Texas declined to pursue criminal charges against Watson, Sue L. Robinson, an independent referee, who was jointly appointed by the NFL and players’ union, found that “the NFL carried its burden to prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that Mr. Watson engaged in sexual assault.”
Robinson went on to state in her report that Watson’s behavior was “egregious” and “predatory.”
Many Feel The Suspension Is Not Enough
Deshaun Watson, despite the many allegations against him, is eligible to return to play in the NFL in Week 13 with the Cleveland Browns against his former Houston Texans team. The 27-year-old quarterback was also fined $5 million and must undergo a mandatory treatment program prior to his return.
Fans of the NFL and many others claim the suspension is not enough — including attorney Tony Buzbee, who is representing more than 20 of the women with allegations against Watson.
“By settling this matter the way he has, Roger Goodell has proven one of two things: either his recent rhetoric was utter baloney, or his bark is much worse than his bite,” Buzbee said in a statement.
“My belief is that he is nothing more than a paper tiger. The message today to all victims is clear, if you believe you have been sexually assaulted by a powerful person, keep your mouth shut and go away. The NFL has certainly demonstrated that its ownership and the organization doesn’t care. To all sexual assault survivors, do not allow this recent ‘punishment’ to deter you. Keep speaking up and keep speaking out. Your voice matters. You are making a difference. We stand with you.”
Deshaun Watson Return to Brown Training Facility
For the first time since being suspended on August 30, Deshaun Watson was allowed to reenter the Brown training facility, a part of the settlement.
However, the quarterback will not be allowed to practice with the team again until November 14. Again, Deshaun Watson is eligible to return to play in the NFL in Week 13 with the Cleveland Browns against his former Houston Texans team, which will take place on December 4.
