The National Football League (NFL) has announced that it is reviewing a civil lawsuit filed against Deshaun Watson, a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, accusing him of sexual assault and battery. The lawsuit, which was filed on Monday in Harris County, Texas, alleges that the incident took place in October 2020 when Watson was a member of the Houston Texans.

The league spokesperson, Brian McCarthy, stated that they are currently reviewing the complaint and will investigate the matter under the personal conduct policy. However, he mentioned that Watson is not being considered for the commissioner's exempt list at this time, as no formal charges have been filed, and the league's review has just begun.

According to the lawsuit, the alleged actions occurred when Watson and a woman, identified as "Jane Doe" in the court filing, had planned to have dinner at the woman's apartment. It is claimed that Watson met the woman, a single mother, at a Houston restaurant and bar, obtained her phone number, and initially suggested meeting at the Houston Galleria for a date. However, due to the woman's reluctance to meet in public, they agreed to a dinner date at her apartment instead.

On the evening of the date, the lawsuit alleges that Watson had trouble finding the woman's apartment and became aggressive, yelling and screaming at her on the phone, expressing his frustration. The woman reportedly discovered Watson completely naked on her bed when she entered her apartment. It is further alleged that Watson requested a massage, specifically on his buttocks, to which the woman attempted to appease him by rubbing his back instead.

The lawsuit claims that Watson then turned over and demanded further massage, gesturing toward his groin. When the woman informed him that she was not a masseuse, he allegedly proceeded to partially undress her and sexually assault her without her consent. The lawsuit alleges that the assault lasted for several minutes before the woman managed to escape and defend herself with a heavy piece of decor. Watson then left the woman's apartment.

The Cleveland Browns, in a statement to ESPN, expressed their commitment to respecting the due process of the legal system and stated that they will follow the NFL's guidelines regarding the recently filed civil suit.

This is not the first time Watson has faced such accusations. In 2022, more than two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage sessions. Although Texas grand juries declined to pursue criminal charges, Watson served an 11-game suspension after the NFL and the NFL Players Association reached a settlement in his disciplinary matter. He also had to pay a hefty fine of $5 million and undergo mandatory evaluation and treatment before being reinstated by the league. Watson subsequently settled 23 of the 24 civil lawsuits filed against him in the summer of 2022.

The lawsuit filed on Monday is unrelated to the remaining suit from the women who accused Watson of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. However, both suits are being represented by the same attorney, Tony Buzbee.

Watson's football career has also been impacted by the suspension and injuries, limiting him to just 13 starts since joining the Cleveland Browns in a high-profile trade in March 2022. In his most recent game against the Dallas Cowboys, his first since undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery last year, Watson completed 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards, with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions, resulting in a 33-17 loss.

The NFL's review of the civil lawsuit against Deshaun Watson will be an important development in determining the future repercussions for the quarterback. The league is expected to conduct a thorough investigation under its personal conduct policy before making any decisions.