2 assault lawsuits vs. Browns' Watson dismissed

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson saw the final two active civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct against him dismissed in a Texas court on Monday, effectively ending a lengthy legal battle over his off-field behavior. The dismissals occurred after the parties involved reached settlements, bringing a conclusion to a series of legal actions that began in early 2021 when more than two dozen women accused the NFL star of inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions. These last two cases were the remaining remnants of a once-extensive legal saga that significantly impacted Watson’s professional career and reputation. While the specific terms of the settlements remain confidential, the dismissal marks a pivotal moment for the 28-year-old athlete. Previously, Watson had settled 23 of the 25 lawsuits filed against him, while one case had been dropped by a judge and others were resolved through private mediation. The litigation stems from Watson's time with the Houston Texans, where the plaintiffs alleged that he engaged in sexual assault and harassment during private appointments. Although grand juries in two Texas counties declined to pursue criminal charges against him in 2022, the civil proceedings continued to loom over his tenure with the Cleveland Browns. Despite the resolution of these civil matters, the National Football League has already imposed its own disciplinary measures regarding these allegations. In 2022, following an independent investigation into the claims, Watson served an 11-game suspension and paid a $5 million fine for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The Browns, who signed Watson to a historic $230 million fully guaranteed contract amidst the controversy, have stood by the quarterback throughout the process. With the legal cases now dismissed, Watson can focus entirely on the upcoming NFL season without the immediate distraction of pending courtroom appearances.