The NFL has ended its investigation into the latest sexual assault allegation against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
The 29-year-old is under investigation following the filing of a civil lawsuit in September by a woman in Texas seeking $1 million (£764,000) in damages for an incident that allegedly occurred while the pair were on a date was in October 2020.
Watson denied the accusation and the lawsuit was handled confidentially.
The NFL subsequently conducted its own investigation, but announced Saturday that it would not take formal action against Watson.
“There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the Personal Conduct Policy,” a league spokesperson told the Associated Press. “The case is closed.”
Watson’s attorney Rusty Hardin told the Washington Post, “We are pleased to put this matter 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 charges and two grand juries ruled there was not enough 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.
Since transferring in 2022, he has made just 19 appearances for the Browns due to suspensions and injuries.
