Deshaun Watson will not face any further punishment from the NFL for his alleged off-field misconduct, but his situation is not over as he may not be done with his legal process. Two years after he was first accused of sexual misconduct by a massage therapist, Watson could face his first civil trial related to his alleged transgressions, according to Cleveland.com.
Dozens of different women accused Watson of sexual assault or misconduct during private massage sessions from 2020-2021, and although 23 different cases were ultimately settled, one accuser still has some unfinished business with him.
Lauren Baxley, the lone remaining client of attorney Tony Buzbee, has sought a civil trial in Houston in part because “Watson refused to acknowledge that he assaulted her.”
“Today we filed a motion to put Lauren Baxley’s case on the trial docket, in the Houston court where it was originally filed,” attorney Tony Buzbee said in a statement issued to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “All other victims in the Deshaun Watson litigation that this firm represented have settled their claims. Ms. Baxley, to her credit, has refused, and wants a public trial. I intend to help give her that. She is entitled to have a trial on her claims; I will proudly present her case. Ms. Baxley has a strong case, and I encourage the Internet trolls to take note as we proceed.”
The former Pro Bowler, who signed a record five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract with the Browns in 2022, at one point apologized to his accusers, but he also denied engaging in any nonconsensual sexual activity.
Watson served an 11-game suspension to start the 2022 season in which the Browns would finish 7-10, good for last place in the AFC North. He also paid a $5 million fine in 2022 after the NFL determined he had violated its personal conduct policy.
Watson has never faced any criminal charges for his alleged misconduct, as two Texas grand juries declined to indict the QB in the face of multiple lawsuits.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
The Browns do not expect Watson to miss any remaining time due to his remaining suits, per Cleveland.com.
