Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns' quarterback, expresses shock over the most recent sexual assault accusation filed against him.
On Monday, a lady, labeled as "Jane Doe" by CNN, asserted that Watson sexually assaulted her in her residence prior to a scheduled dinner date in October 2020.
The 28-year-old shared this information with journalists during their weekly press meeting on Wednesday. Watson claimed to have discovered about the lawsuit when everyone else did.
Earlier in the day, Watson's lawyer, Rusty Hardin, released a statement affirming that the ex-first-round pick "strongly denies" the accusations. He further stated, "We have asked him not to comment any further while this matter proceeds through the court system, but we are confident he will be acquitted eventually."
Hardin further stated, "We will prepare to defend this case in court when the time is right, but we chose not to defend it in the media. We kindly request patience as the legal process unfolds. In the meantime, Deshaun will concentrate on football."
Buzbee, the plaintiff's attorney, countered Hardin's statement on Wednesday, accusing Watson of lying about being unaware of the latest allegations. Buzbee claimed, "We knew this case was the most serious and egregious one brought against Watson to date, and our client, who has been deeply traumatized by these events, wanted to negotiate a private resolution."
However, Buzbee continued, "Unfortunately, Watson's team or perhaps his lawyers were unable or unwilling to pay this case the attention it required. ... Watson was aware of this victim and her claims immediately after it occurred and was reminded of it again when we filed the initial lawsuit on behalf of the other victims."
When asked about his lawyer's statement, Watson responded, "The statement represents our stance, and everything he stated there is how I'm feeling and the approach we're taking through this process."
Watson and the Browns are set to play the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road on Sunday. When asked how he manages to avoid letting this become a distraction, Watson said, "I focus on the fundamental thing - when I step into this building, I focus on becoming the best quarterback I can be, on the game plan, and on improving from the previous week so we can secure a win."
In 2022, the NFL and NFLPA agreed to suspend Watson for 11 regular-season games without compensation and fine him $5 million after at least 24 civil lawsuits were filed against him, alleging that the quarterback sexually harassed or assaulted women during private massage appointments while he was playing for the Texans.
Watson repeatedly denied wrongdoing in these cases, and 23 of the lawsuits were settled confidentially. Two grand juries declined to press charges against Watson criminally.
This report was contributed by CNN's Wayne Sterling and Ben Church.
Deshaun Watson mentioned during his press conference that he will continue focusing on football and improving as a quarterback, despite the ongoing legal issues. In his spare time, he might find solace in participating in various sports activities to take his mind off the situation.
Following the NFL suspension, Watson may now have more time to engage in his favorite hobbies or sports, allowing him to keep his skills sharp and maintain physical fitness.
