Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will face two additional lawsuits in the coming weeks, bringing the total of women with sexual assault allegations against him to 26, according to multiple media reports.
Houston lawyer Tony Buzbee, who represents the first 24 complainants, told Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports that two more lawsuits are forthcoming. One was referred to him by an Atlanta attorney, while another reached out to Buzbee after hearing the stories of other women that have come forward. The New York Times has uncovered evidence that there may be as many as 66 possible victims.
Watson was not charged in criminal proceedings after a grand jury was held in Texas earlier this offseason and he has maintained his innocence throughout. The NFL is conducting its own investigation into Watson, but has not announced any findings or punishment at this time.
The Browns are not attempting to void their record-breaking contract with Watson or the trade that brought him from Houston to Cleveland, according to Cleveland.com.
The uncertainty about Watson’s availability for the season has continued to depress the outlook for the Browns in 2022. Cleveland has fallen from a tie for first to third in AFC North preseason odds.