Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns quarterback, has been cleared by the NFL after the league concluded its investigation surrounding recent sexual assault allegations against him. A spokesperson confirmed there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate he violated the NFL's personal conduct policy. Watson, who has faced multiple accusations of misconduct over the past few years, continues to generate significant attention both on and off the field.
This investigation came to light after the filing of a civil lawsuit back in September, where Watson was accused of sexual assault and battery by a woman referred to as Jane Doe. The incident allegedly took place on October 2020, prior to Watson's arrival at the Browns and during his tenure with the Houston Texans. The accuser sought $1 million in damages.
After actively denying the allegations, both parties reached a confidential settlement shortly after the lawsuit was filed. This did not, at the time, stop the NFL from carrying out its review, which began shortly thereafter to determine if any violation of league policies had occurred.
League spokesperson Brian McCarthy succinctly summed up the NFL's findings: “The matter is closed. There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy.” This statement effectively halted a probe which had garnered much scrutiny, following past incidents involving Watson.
Watson's legal troubles are far from over. His history of accusations dates back to 2021, with over two dozen women coming forward with claims of sexual misconduct, primarily relating to massage therapy sessions. Despite this tumultuous background, two Texas grand juries declined to bring criminal charges, leading to Watson's NFL suspension.
Back in 2022, Watson faced one of the NFL's most significant disciplinary actions when he was handed an 11-game suspension after multiple lawsuits were filed against him. He was also fined $5 million under the NFL’s personal conduct policy. This past suspension was one of several incidents which have seen the quarterback struggle to maintain his playing position.
Deshaun Watson's contract with the Browns remains another complication. He inked one of the most lucrative deals in NFL history—worth $230 million—when he was traded to the team, fully guaranteed. This is quite the burden for the franchise, especially since Watson has played only 19 games over the past three seasons due to suspensions and injuries, including this season when he suffered a torn Achilles.
The Browns are now faced with challenging decisions about Watson's future, as they prepare for 2025 with him still being under contract for two more years worth approximately $46 million each. Worst yet, with the NFL’s latest investigation closed, there was no possibility to void any parts of the contract even if violations had been established.
Watson has also struggled on the field, as evidenced by his performance this past season. He posted the league's worst Total Quarterback Rating (QBR) before exiting due to injury. Currently, the Browns are finding alternatives, employing Jameis Winston, who has shown promise as Watson recovers from surgery.
For now, Watson aims to come back stronger next season. His path, overshadowed by legal battles and mounting scrutiny, has kept him from being the cornerstone player the Browns anticipated. Yet, he remains determined to turn his career around amid the spiraling narrative surrounding his off-field conduct.
With the NFL now stepping aside from Watson's latest allegations, the focus will likely shift back to his rehabilitation and preparations for the next season. The decisions the Browns and Watson will make as they navigate this complex situation remain pivotal for both his career and the team's future.
The NFL may have closed this investigation, but the legacy of uncertainty around Watson continues as fans and analysts alike wonder how this saga will evolve as he returns to the field.