As Deshaun Watson faces yet another allegation of sexual misconduct, the Cleveland Browns have made a decision on their starting quarterback.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Watson will start at quarterback on Sunday when Cleveland faces the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“Regarding Deshaun’s legal situation, we put out a statement yesterday,” the two-time NFL Coach of the Year said. “I won’t have much to add past that statement. We’ll let due process play out and follow the NFL’s guidelines. We are 100% focused on Jacksonville, 100% focused on going on the road against a good football team, trying to find a way to get a W.”
Asked directly if Watson will start on Sunday, Stefanski responded, “Yes.” As for the quarterback’s mindset heading into Week 2 considering his legal issues, the head coach said that he’s “focused on the task at hand.”
The latest allegation against Watson comes as the result of a lawsuit that was filed in Harris County, Texas, on Monday. In the lawsuit, an unnamed woman accuses the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback of committing sexual assault and battery against her in 2020 when he was a member of the Houston Texans.
In 2022, Watson settled civil lawsuits with 23 women accusing him of sexual misconduct. He proceeded to serve an 11-game suspension to open the 2022 season — his first with the Browns — for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
The 28-year-old quarterback has maintained his innocence via a statement released by his attorney, Rusty Hardin.
“Deshaun strongly denies the allegations in the Jane Doe lawsuit filed Monday,” Hardin said in a statement provided to multiple outlets. “We have asked him to not comment further while the 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.”
