Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is now facing a new sexual assault lawsuit, according to reports. The lawsuit, filed in Houston on Monday, accuses Watson of sexual assault and battery, as well as intentional infliction of emotional distress. This latest incident is separate from the nearly two dozen previous lawsuits filed against Watson during his time with the Houston Texans.

The NFL has responded to the lawsuit by launching its own review under the personal conduct policy. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy stated on Tuesday that they are currently reviewing the complaint and will investigate the matter. However, Watson has not been placed on the commissioner's exempt list as there have been no formal charges and the league's review is just beginning.

Lisa Friel, NFL special counsel, will oversee the investigation and determine whether Watson violated the personal conduct policy. Furthermore, she will assess whether any additional discipline should be imposed beyond the 11-game suspension Watson received in 2022 for previous violations. The Cleveland Browns, Watson's current team, have also released a statement indicating their intention to respect due process and follow the NFL's guidelines regarding the civil suit.

The details of the new lawsuit allege that the incident took place in October 2020, during what was supposed to be a date between Watson and the anonymous accuser. The lawsuit claims that Watson became agitated when he had trouble finding the woman's apartment and began yelling and screaming. After entering her apartment, the woman found Watson naked on her bed, demanding a massage. She felt terrified and tried to appease him by massaging his back, but Watson continually insisted on focusing on his glutes. The encounter escalated when Watson allegedly grabbed the woman's leg, partially disrobed her, and sexually assaulted her without consent. Eventually, she managed to escape from underneath him and demanded that he leave her apartment.

This new lawsuit compounds Watson's existing legal troubles. Previously, he faced over 20 accusations of sexual misconduct, primarily involving massage therapists, during his time with the Texans. While Watson did not face criminal charges for any of these instances, he was suspended for 11 games in 2022 and has settled the majority of the lawsuits. The NFL has since strengthened its sexual assault policy and penalties in response to Watson's case.

As the Browns quarterback, Watson has signed a record-breaking $230 million contract. However, the team recently restructured the contract twice, and Watson's performance has been far from impressive. Due to contractual obligations, the Browns would face substantial dead cap hits if they were to part ways with Watson in the future.

While Deshaun Watson has consistently denied any wrongdoing, the recent lawsuit and the NFL's review have once again cast a shadow over his career. It remains to be seen how the legal proceedings and the league's investigation will unfold, but the seriousness of the allegations is likely to have a significant impact on Watson's future in the NFL.