CLEVELAND — The attorney representing the woman accusing Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault in a newly filed lawsuit has told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio that his client will meet with the NFL in two weeks and also has "pertinent video."
“We intend to interview with the NFL in two weeks,” attorney Tony Buzbee said in a statement issued to PFT. “This coming week however I have to go to the Coast Guard hearings in South Carolina regarding the Titan submersible implosion because I represent a victim’s family from that. When I return I intend to make my client available for interview along with two individuals who spoke to her immediately after the assault. I also have video to share that will be pertinent.”
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.
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.
The NFL announced that it is "reviewing the complaint" and "looking into the matter under the Personal Conduct Policy." Per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, a 3News media partner, the league's investigation is being led by Lisa Fried, NFL Special Counsel for Investigations, who headed up the previous probe on Watson that ended with his suspension.
Through his attorney, Rusty Hardin, Watson has denied the latest allegation. The 28-year-old told reporters in Berea on Wednesday that he was unaware of the claim of sexual assault against him before the lawsuit was filed on 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.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday afternoon, Buzbee claimed 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."
Watson 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.
3News Investigator Peter Fleischer reached out to both Buzbee and Hardin on Thursday afternoon. Hardin released the following: "Our statement from yesterday (Wednesday) speaks for itself. If or when we respond further, we will do so in court."