Deshaun Watson's accuser will meet with NFL and provide “relevant” video to allegations, lawyer says

Content warning: This article contains depictions of alleged sexual assault.

The woman who accused Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and battery in a civil lawsuit will meet with the NFL within the next two weeks to discuss the allegations, according to her attorney.

Attorney Tony Buzbee told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio that his client and two people who spoke with her immediately after the alleged assault will be interviewed by the league. Buzbee also said there is video “that will be relevant.”

Buzbee added in an email to ESPN that he does not view the NFL's disciplinary process favorably, but that his client has chosen to speak with the league and cooperate with its investigation.

The lawsuit was filed Monday in Harris County, Texas, and says the incident in question occurred in October 2020, when Watson was playing for the Houston Texans. According to the lawsuit, Watson and the plaintiff had planned to have dinner at her apartment, but Watson became angry and aggressive when he couldn't find out her address.

After inviting him in, the woman got ready and then left her bathroom. There she found Watson lying naked on her bed on his stomach. Watson insisted that she rub his buttocks, and when she refused, he demanded that he be rubbed in his groin area. She refused again, and Watson allegedly sexually assaulted her. The woman eventually escaped, yelling at Watson to get out of her apartment.

Through his attorney, Watson denied the allegations on Wednesday. Attorney Rusty Hardin said Watson will “defend this case in court,” but not through the media.

The NFL said it is reviewing the complaint under its rules of conduct, but Watson will not be placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List because no formal charges have been filed and the NFL has only just begun reviewing the matter.

Watson was suspended for 11 games in 2022 after more than 20 allegations of sexual harassment were made against him during his time with the Texans, many of them by massage therapists. He was not criminally charged in any of the cases and denied all allegations, including in a press conference this week. Houston traded Watson to the Browns before the 2022 season.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that Watson will play as scheduled in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In the 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1, Watson threw for 169 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions on 24 of 45 passing.

“We will respect the due process provided by our legal system regarding the recently filed civil action and follow NFL policies on this matter,” the Browns said in a statement.