Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's attorney Rusty Hardin has issued a statement regarding the latest civil suit filed against Watson by Jane Doe. Doe is suing Watson for sexual assault and battery as a result of their date on October 10, 2020, when Watson was still a member of the Houston Texans.
Hardin said that Watson "strongly denies the allegations." Hardin has asked him not to comment further as the case works through the courts. He also said they "are comfortable he will ultimately be vindicated."
Hardin said that they will not "conduct our defense in the media." In the meantime, Watson will focus his time and concentration on football.
The NFL said on Tuesday that Watson will not be put on the Commissioner's Exempt List as no charges were filed, and their investigation is getting underway. The Browns followed the NFL's lead on Tuesday by saying "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.”
Meanwhile this has to be a huge distraction for a Browns team who struggled in Week 1 against the Cowboys. It is unclear how or if players will be asked about it.
The fans are already fed up with it. They asked the Browns to bring back Joe Flacco. And eagle-eyed internet watchers believe Watson set up a X/Twitter burner account with a false name to "defend" his Week 1 performance.
The Browns need to focus on football. They are 0-1 and facing Jacksonville in Week 2.