NFL Concludes Deshaun Watson’s Assault Investigation

Deshaun Watson, the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, is ending the season on injured reserve for the second consecutive year after the NFL completed an investigation into his alleged sexual assault.

For months, the league has been considering the case in an effort to decide whether Watson should face consequences. In an email to The Associated Press on Friday, League spokesman Brian McCarthy stated: “The matter is closed,” “There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy.”

In September, Watson, who was suspended for 11 games in 2022, was accused of abuse by a woman in Texas. Before the parties came to a private agreement, she was requesting damages of almost $1 million. Watson’s lawyer, Rusty Hardin, vehemently refuted the accusations.

In October, the 29-year-old Watson’s Achilles tendon ruptured, terminating his season. In an attempt to return for the upcoming season, he has been recovering from the injury.

Deshaun Watson is on huge wages and difficult for the Browns to cut

After trading three first-round selections to Houston and signing Watson to a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract that has backfired, the Browns still owe him $46 million in each of the following two seasons.

Because of the ban and injuries, Watson has only participated in 19 games throughout three seasons. Despite Watson being accused of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior during massage therapy sessions while playing for the Texans, the Browns acquired him because they were at ease with his character.

Watson’s future with Cleveland is uncertain, even though he is in the clear with the league. The Browns are in a difficult position as they attempt to bolster their roster because of his enormous deal and its salary-cap implications. After winning the playoffs the previous season, Cleveland has had a dismal season and might let Watson go, but doing so would come at a hefty price.

As Watson’s backup, the Browns signed Jameis Winston for a one-season contract. Since taking over, Winston has gone 2-3 as a starter and has given Cleveland’s offense some life after Watson’s injury prevented them from scoring 20 points or gaining 300 yards. A damaged shoulder bone that required surgery interrupted his 2023 season.

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