Just as the NFL world was reeling from Deshaun Watson’s latest underwhelming performance on the field, the Cleveland Browns quarterback has found himself facing a fresh legal battle. A new lawsuit, filed in Houston on September 9, accuses Watson of sexual assault and battery stemming from an incident in October 2020.

This legal challenge comes at a time when Watson is already under intense scrutiny for his off-the-field controversies and his recent performance, which has left both fans and analysts questioning whether the Browns made the right call in securing him on a fully guaranteed contract.

The plaintiff, identified only as Jane Doe, claims that Watson invited himself into her home under the guise of a date, only for the encounter to take an unexpected and disturbing turn. According to the lawsuit, Watson undressed and demanded that she massage his buttocks, a request that left the woman in shock and fear. As she hesitated, Watson allegedly escalated his demands, becoming more aggressive.

This lawsuit was filed not long after Watson’s disastrous game against the Dallas Cowboys, where he completed just 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards, barely managing one touchdown amidst two interceptions. His struggles on the field seem to mirror the mounting challenges off the field as his legal woes continue to grow.

The accusations detailed in the lawsuit paint a harrowing picture. Jane Doe claims that after Watson became frustrated with her refusal to comply with his requests, the situation escalated to physical assault. The legal filing describes Watson initiating non-consensual sexual acts, leaving the victim terrified for her safety in her own home.

Watson’s off-field troubles have hurt his career

Watson’s legal troubles have been a dark cloud over his career, dating back to his time with the Houston Texans when over 20 women came forward with similar allegations of sexual misconduct. Jane Doe’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, who has represented several of Watson’s accusers in the past, filed the current lawsuit.

Despite these serious allegations, Watson remains a central figure in the Browns‘ future. The team committed to him with a historic five-year contract, fully guaranteed, even as his legal battles continue to unfold. In the next two seasons alone, Watson will account for a staggering $73 million against the Browns’ salary cap-a figure that now feels even more burdensome as these new claims come to light.

As of now, the Cleveland Browns organization has not issued any public statement regarding the latest lawsuit, leaving fans and commentators in suspense. Whether this new accusation will have lasting implications for Watson‘s future both on and off the field remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the quarterback’s time in Cleveland has been anything but smooth.

With Watson’s recent struggles in the spotlight, from his shaky on-field performance to his ongoing legal issues, the team’s investment in the embattled quarterback may start to feel like a gamble that’s quickly unraveling.