BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is denying allegations made in a new lawsuit accusing him of sexually assaulting a woman in 2020. In addition, Watson says he was unaware of the allegations until news of the filing came out on Monday.
The lawsuit comes from a plaintiff identified as "Jane Doe" who says Watson forced himself on her as the two were slated to go on a date on Oct. 10, 2020, while Watson was a member of the Houston Texans. The lawsuit is seeking damages of over $1 million.
On Wednesday afternoon, Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee, who is representing the plaintiff in the lawsuit, released a long statement on his Instagram account which alleges that his office tried to settle the case with Watson's lawyer for 10 months prior to the suit being filed.
"We knew this case was the most serious and egregious case brought against Watson to date and our client, who is rightly traumatized by these events, wanted to attempt a private resolution," Buzbee wrote. "We thought that was the best approach given the media storm that occurred surrounding the legion of other claims. Unfortunately, Watson’s team or maybe his lawyers couldn’t or wouldn’t give this case the attention it was due."
Earlier in the day, Watson told reporters that he did not know the lawsuit was coming out prior to Monday's filing. He was asked if he knew that efforts had previously been made to settle the case.
"I haven't heard anything, I haven't spoken with anybody. So I'm not aware of that," he responded.
Watson added that he was not aware of the allegation of sexual assault against him before Monday.
"I found out this allegation and this file exactly when everyone else found out. Found out through media, saw it popped up on my phone, and then I called my attorneys and asked them what it was," Watson stated.
Before Watson spoke in Berea, his attorney Rusty Hardin released the below statement on Wednesday morning:
“Deshaun strongly denies the allegations in the Jane Doe lawsuit filed Monday.
"We have asked him not to comment further while this matter works its way through the courts, but are comfortable he will ultimately be vindicated.
"We will be ready to defend this case in court at the appropriate time, but don’t intend to conduct our defense in the media. We would ask that people be patient while the legal process runs its course.
"In the meantime, Deshaun is going to focus his energy and concentration on football.”
"The statement is the response that we talked about," Watson told reporters. "Everything that he (Hardin) put in that statement is exactly how I'm feeling."
Buzbee says since the lawsuit was filed, Hardin has reached out to his office.
"Unfortunately we see that now as too little, too late. But, we are officers of the court, and we will give Mr. Hardin and his esteemed team the respect he has earned and will work with him to progress this case in an efficient manner," Buzbee wrote.
Watson has been accused of multiple incidents of sexual misconduct, including harassment and assault, since 2021. While a pair of Texas grand juries declined to indict the three-time Pro Bowler on criminal charges, a total of 27 women have filed civil lawsuits against Watson. One of the lawsuits was dropped, while Watson settled 23 of the cases during the summer of 2022, just months after being traded from the Texans to the Browns.
Following an investigation, the National Football League found Watson in violation of its personal conduct policy in the summer of 2022. The two sides agreed to a settlement of an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine.
Earlier this week, the NFL released the below statement on the latest lawsuit against Watson:
"We are reviewing the complaint and we will look into the matter under the Personal Conduct Policy. Not looking at Commissioner’s Exempt list as there’s been no formal charges and the league’s review has just begun."
Buzbee says his office has heard from the NFL and "will respond in due course."
Despite the new lawsuit, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski says Watson will start under center on Sunday when Cleveland visits Jacksonville. He added that he was not aware of the allegations prior to the suit being filed.
"We’ll let due process play out and follow the NFL’s guidelines,” Stefanski said. “We are 100% focused on Jacksonville."
The Associated Press contributed to this report