CLEVELAND (AP) — The NFL said Tuesday it is investigating the latest civil lawsuit filed against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson to determine if he violated the league’s personal conduct policy.

On Monday, a woman in Texas accused Watson of sexual assault in 2020 while he played for Houston.

“We are reviewing the complaint and we will look into the matter under the personal conduct policy,” league spokesperson Brian McCarthy said. “Not looking at commissioner’s exempt list as there’s been no formal charges and the league’s review has just begun.”

According to the lawsuit filed in Harris County, Texas, the woman alleged Watson forced himself on her sexually during an incident at her apartment four years ago.

Watson was suspended 11 games by the league in 2022 after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions. Watson was also fined $5 million.

The Browns, who traded five draft picks for the three-time Pro Bowler in 2022, also released a statement.

“We will respect the due process our legal system affords regarding the recently filed civil suit and follow the NFL’s guidelines on this matter,” the team said.

Watson’s career in Cleveland has been sidetracked by his legal issues, the suspension and a shoulder injury that limited him to just six starts last season. On Sunday, the 28-year-old played his first game since breaking a bone in his throwing shoulder in November and undergoing surgery.

Watson completed 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, who sacked Cleveland’s QB six times.

The Browns play at Jacksonville this week.

UPDATE——-

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Deshaun Watson’s attorney said Wednesday the quarterback “strongly denies” the allegations made by a woman who said the Cleveland Browns QB sexually assaulted her four years ago when he played for Houston.

On Monday, the woman in Texas filed a civil lawsuit that says Watson forced himself on her during a dinner date in her apartment four years ago. She’s seeking in excess of $1 million in damages.

The NFL is looking into the lawsuit to see if Watson, who was suspended for 11 games in 2022, has violated the league’s personal conduct policy.

Watson was previously accused of sexual misconduct by two dozen women for his behavior during massage therapy sessions while he played for the Houston Texans.

“Deshaun strongly denies the allegations in the Jane Doe lawsuit filed Monday,” attorney Rusty Hardin said in a statement distributed by the team. “We have asked him not to comment further while this matter works its way through the courts, but are comfortable he will ultimately be vindicated.

“We will be ready to defend this case in court at the appropriate time, but don’t intend to conduct our defense in the media. We would ask that people be patient while the legal process runs its course.

“In the meantime, Deshaun is going to focus his energy and concentration on football.”

Watson is scheduled to speak to reporters before practice Wednesday.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Watson will play Sunday in Jacksonville. Stefanski said he did not consider benching the QB in light of the allegations.

The 28-year-old played poorly in Cleveland’s season opener, his first game since undergoing shoulder surgery in November.

Watson has only made 13 starts for the Browns since they signed him to a $230 million contract in 2022 after trading three first-round draft picks to the Texans.

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