New allegations against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson have reignited widespread demands for the NFL to permanently ban the controversial player from the league. On Monday, September 9, a day after Watson began his third season with the Browns, a new sexual assault lawsuit was filed against him in Houston. This latest accusation adds to the more than 20 previous claims of sexual misconduct and assault already levied against the former Heisman Trophy winner.
Watson, who was suspended by the NFL for 11 games last season as a result of the previous allegations, has remained a polarizing figure in the league. Despite the serious nature of the accusations, the Browns signed him to one of the most lucrative contracts in NFL history. His return to the field has been met with both support and outrage, but this latest development has led to renewed criticism, with many calling for the NFL to take decisive action.
The new lawsuit contains particularly graphic details, alleging that Watson forcibly sexually assaulted the plaintiff. According to the complaint, Watson “penetrated her without consent, implicit or explicit” and continued the assault for “minutes” in both the missionary position and “from behind.” The lawsuit was filed by Jane Doe, represented by attorney Tony Buzbee, who previously handled many of the cases brought against Watson by other women.
This latest accusation has stirred a fresh wave of outrage among NFL fans, many of whom have taken to social media to demand Watson’s immediate removal from the league. Football enthusiasts, including some Browns fans, have labeled Watson as “pure evil” and a “legitimate psychopath,” expressing their frustration that he continues to play despite the severity of the accusations.
“Please end the Deshaun Watson experiment,” one fan tweeted, tagging the Cleveland Browns. “It’s time. The fans deserve better.”
Another fan, identifying as a Browns supporter, posted, “Vile report. Get this f—— sicko off my football team.”
One particularly outraged individual called for an indefinite suspension, stating, “These new allegations aren’t just SA [sexual assault], this is pretty much just straight-up r—. Suspend him indefinitely, and find a way to get this loser to Azerbaijan (or prison), even if that means eating the remaining money. He cannot take the field Sunday.”
Despite the growing public outcry, the Browns have yet to comment on the new allegations. The team has remained silent on social media since 3:00 p.m. on Monday, around the same time the lawsuit was made public. The absence of a statement has only fueled further criticism, with many questioning the organization’s decision to stand by Watson after already facing immense backlash for signing him in the first place.
The NFL’s handling of Watson’s case has been a point of contention since the allegations first surfaced. While the league initially suspended him for 11 games and imposed a $5 million fine, many feel these measures were insufficient given the number and nature of the accusations. The new lawsuit has amplified these concerns, with fans and commentators alike calling for a more permanent solution—an outright ban from the NFL.
As the situation develops, it remains unclear how the NFL or the Browns will respond to the latest allegations. Watson’s legal battles and the continued backlash have cast a long shadow over his career, leaving the league at a crossroads. With public pressure mounting, the NFL may soon be forced to reconsider its stance on Watson and determine whether his presence on the field is worth the damage to the league’s reputation.
For now, Watson remains on the Browns’ roster, but the growing chorus of voices calling for his removal is only getting louder.
Whether or not the league will take action in the wake of these new allegations remains to be seen, but for many, the time has long passed for Deshaun Watson to be banned from the NFL.
