The NFL has ended its investigation into the latest sexual assault allegation made against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
The 29-year-old man was under investigation after the filing a civil lawsuit in September from a woman in Texas, who is seeking $1 million (£764,000) in damages over an incident that allegedly occurred while the couple were on a date in October 2020.
Watson denied the allegation and the lawsuit was settled confidentially.
He The NFL subsequently conducted its own investigation. but announced Saturday that it would not take any formal action against Watson.
“There was insufficient evidence to support the finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy,” a league spokesperson said. he told the Associated Press. “The matter is closed.”
Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, told the Washington Post: “We are pleased to put this issue behind us so Deshaun can focus on recovering from his injury and preparing for next season.”
Watson was suspended by the NFL for the first 11 games of the 2022 season after 24 civil lawsuits were filed against him during his time with the Houston Texans.
He faced multiple allegations from women of sexual assault and misconduct during massage sessions between March 2020 and March 2021.
The NFL fined Watson $5 million (£3.9 million) under its personal conduct policy and he was suspended without pay.
Watson denied the allegations, and two grand juries ruled there was insufficient evidence to indict him.
He later reached confidential settlements with 23 of the 24 women in the summer of 2022.
Watson hasn’t played since October after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury.
He has appeared just 19 times for the Browns since his move in 2022, due to suspensions and injuries.
