NFL officials will meet with Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson in Texas this week in connection with the independent investigation into several allegations of sexual misconduct.
This was learned by the CBS Sports network on Monday.
“We decline to comment while the investigation is active and ongoing,” the NFL said in a statement to NFL Network.
Watson is the subject of 22 civil lawsuits filed by massage therapists. Last March, two Texas grand juries declined to indict the kingpin on criminal charges in those cases. The 26-year-old has always denied assaulting anyone and said if he had sex during massages they were all consensual.
The NFL’s independent investigation is looking into whether Watson violated its behavioral policy. The Goodell circuit could possibly suspend the quarter.
Watson was traded to the Browns by the Houston Texans on March 18. He then signed a contract extension guaranteeing him $230 million with his new formation.
Last year, the Clemson Tigers product did not play a single game with the Texans due to the allegations. Watson completed 67.8% of the passes he attempted for 14,539 yards and 104 touchdowns in 54 career NFL games. He also ran with the ball in hand 307 times for 1,677 yards and 17 majors.
