When the Browns traded for Deshaun Watson in 2022, they gave the quarterback a five-year, $230 million contract that was fully guaranteed, including protections in the event of a suspension — which he eventually received after being accused by two dozen women of sexual misconduct during massages.
With the 29-year-old facing new sexual assault allegations, it’s been revealed that Watson’s guarantees could now be in jeopardy in the event of a future NFL ban.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Sunday that Watson’s contract only contained protections for his guarantees against suspensions for the 2022 and ’23 seasons, but not for 2024 and beyond.
A lawsuit was filed Monday in Houston by a woman alleging sexual assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress against Watson during a date in October 2020.
The Jane Doe accuses Watson of “aggressively yelling and screaming” at her when he couldn’t find her apartment, then laying face-down “completely naked” on her bed when he did arrive, insisting she massage his buttocks.
She alleges Watson then penetrated her vagina without her consent.
The quarterback denied the allegations.
Watson did not play a snap during the 2021 season with the Texans after he faced 24 lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct. Twenty-three of them were settled confidentially.
He was suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 season and fined $5 million by the NFL.
The league is looking into the latest allegations but they’re not yet considering putting Watson on the commissioner’s exempt list and the quarterback is playing Sunday against the Jaguars.
Watson is under contract through 2026.
In a loss last week to the Cowboys, Watson was 24-for-45 with 169 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions while taking six sacks.
If you have been sexually assaulted and live in New York, you can call 1-800-942-6906 for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the state, you can dial the 24/7 National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673.