The plaintiff’s lawyer attorney, Tony Buzbee, confirmed the agreement between the two parties, stating in a text message to The Associated Press on Monday night that his client’s claim against Watson has been settled confidentially. Buzbee had previously threatened to have his client speak to the NFL, which had opened an investigation against Watson. It remains unknown whether Watson will face any further discipline from the league, as a league spokesman declined to comment in an email to AP.
Watson, the QB, was suspended for the first 11 games in 2022 for violating the league’s personal conduct policy after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions. Additionally, Watson was fined $5 million and had to undergo mandatory evaluation before being reinstated by the league.
The new lawsuit was filed on Sept. 9 in Harris County, Texas. The unidentified woman alleged that Watson had sexually assaulted her in 2020 while on a dinner date in her apartment and was seeking damages in excess of $1 million. Despite the allegations, Watson, in his third season with Cleveland after being acquired in a controversial trade from Houston, vehemently denied the claims.
Throughout his career, Watson has settled nearly two dozen civil lawsuits. However, his time with Cleveland has not gone as planned since signing a $230 million contract. Watson only made six starts last season before fracturing a bone in his right shoulder during a game and undergoing surgery.
Struggling in Cleveland’s new offense this season, questions arose regarding whether coach Kevin Stefanski would bench Watson, who has yet to throw for 200 yards in a game this season. Stefanski confirmed that he is sticking with the QB and reiterated his support during a Zoom call on Monday.