The NFL investigation into sexual assault allegations against Deshaun Watson has concluded.
After reviewing the incident over the past several months, the league has closed its investigation.
An NFL spokesperson cited a lack of sufficient evidence as the reason for the decision to close the investigation.
“The issue has been resolved,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said in an email to The Associated Press. “There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of violation of the personal conduct policy.”
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson walks to the sideline during the first half of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Oct. 20, 2024, in Cleveland. (Jeff Lang/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Watson will not face any punishment from the league. Since arriving in Cleveland, the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback has mostly struggled when healthy enough to be on the field.
Suspensions and injuries limited him to just 19 games over three seasons.
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He suffered a torn Achilles tendon in October and ended the season on injured reserve for the second consecutive year. The 29-year-old quarterback continues to rehab his injury with the goal of returning next season.
Watson was suspended for 11 games in 2022. In September, a woman in Texas accused him of sexual assault. She had sought more than $1 million in damages before the two sides reached a confidential settlement.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson tries to throw a pass during practice at the team's training facility on November 16, 2022 in Bellaire, Ohio. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Watson denied the charges through his attorney, Rusty Hardin.
The Browns still owe Watson $46 million over the next two seasons after trading three first-round picks to Houston and signing a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract that backfired. There is.
The Browns were pleased with Watson's character even though he had been accused of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions during his time with the Houston Texans.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson speaks during a press conference at the Cross Country Mortgage Campus on March 25, 2022 in Bellaire, Ohio. (Nick Cammet/Getty Images)
Watson's future with the Browns remains uncertain.
His huge contract and its impact on the salary cap puts the Browns in a bind when it comes to improving their roster. Cleveland is having a disappointing season after making the playoffs a year ago, and while Watson could be released, the cost would be prohibitive if the team let him go. .
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The Browns signed Jameis Winston for one season as Watson's backup. Winston has a 2-3 record as a starter since taking over. The Steelers host the Browns on Sunday. In Week 12, Cleveland defeated Pittsburgh in a snowy AFC North Tilt.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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