Deshaun Watson to Play Despite Sexual Assault Allegations: Cleveland Browns Coach Kevin Stefanski Confirms
Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski announced on Wednesday that quarterback Deshaun Watson will be playing in Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This confirmation comes just two days after a woman filed a lawsuit against Watson, accusing him of sexual assault and battery.
Stefanski stated that he was unaware of the allegations before the lawsuit was filed on Monday. When asked about the latest accusations against Watson, the coach referred to the team’s statement, which stated that they would adhere to the NFL’s guidelines regarding the new accusation.
The woman filed the lawsuit against Watson in Harris County, Texas, and also accused him of intentional infliction of emotional distress. According to the suit, the incident occurred during a date at the woman’s apartment in October 2020.
According to the lawsuit, Watson first met the woman at a Houston restaurant in July 2020. After exchanging texts, he asked to meet in October, and the woman invited him to her apartment for dinner. The lawsuit alleges that Watson arrived at her apartment, undressed himself, and insisted that she massage his buttocks, despite her protests that she wasn’t a masseuse. The suit further alleges that Watson sexually assaulted her for several minutes before she was able to escape.
“This is an extremely serious matter,” said Tony Buzbee, the woman’s lawyer. “We intend to pursue this case with the same aggressiveness with which we pursued the others.” The woman claims to have suffered severe mental anguish, panic attacks, depression, and anxiety as a result of the alleged incident and is seeking damages of over $1 million.
In response to the lawsuit, Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, released a statement on Wednesday, vehemently denying the allegations. The statement urged people to be patient while the legal process unfolds and expressed confidence that Watson will be vindicated.
It’s important to note that this lawsuit comes more than two years after Watson reached settlements with over two dozen women who had accused him of sexual misconduct. Between 2020 and 2021, 24 women filed lawsuits alleging assault or harassment.
The NFL also weighed in on the situation, stating that Watson has not been placed on the commissioner’s exempt list at this time. The league spokesperson confirmed that they are reviewing the complaint and will investigate the matter under the Personal Conduct Policy.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings and allegations, Watson will be playing in Sunday’s game against the Jaguars. This decision raises questions about the NFL’s handling of the situation and its stance on players facing serious accusations.
It’s worth noting that Watson struggled in the Browns’ Week 1 loss to the Cowboys, with a completion rate of 53 percent, 196 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. How these off-field controversies will affect his performance on the field remains to be seen.
In conclusion, Deshaun Watson’s playing status for Sunday’s game has been confirmed by Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, despite the sexual assault allegations against him. The lawsuit filed by a woman accuses Watson of assault and battery, and he has denied the allegations. The NFL is reviewing the complaint and will investigate the matter. This situation raises questions about the league’s handling of players facing serious accusations and the impact it may have on Watson’s performance. As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact Watson’s career and reputation.