Thursday, November 5, 2026
Law

Deshaun Watson Settles 20 of 24 Sexual Misconduct Lawsuits

  • Tony Buzbee, the Houston-based attorney representing the accusers, announced the settlements.
  • Watson still faces potential punishment under the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
Watson Settlement
Ken Blaze/USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The lawyer representing 24 women who accused Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct announced Tuesday that all but four civil cases have been settled. 

“We are working through the paperwork related to those settlements,” Tony Buzbee, the Houston-based attorney of the accusers, said in a statement. “Once we have done so, those particular cases will be dismissed. The terms and amounts of the settlements are confidential.”

The settlements come as Watson awaits the conclusion of an NFL investigation that was launched more than a year ago as the first set of accusers — all represented by Buzbee — filed lawsuits in March 2021. 

While two grand juries chose not to indict Watson coupled with news all but four civil cases have been settled, Watson still faces the possibility of a lengthy suspension under the NFL’s personal conduct policy. 

In March, the Houston Texans traded Watson to the Browns. As part of that move, the Browns and Watson agreed to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract extension. 

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

At Least 10 Sports Owners Backed Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate Race

Meanwhile, Chicago Stars minority owner Jennifer Pritzker backed Abdul El-Sayed.

Deshaun Watson’s Revived Play Raises Questions About Future

Watson is in the fifth and final year of his contract.
Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken address the media during day 12 of training camp, Aug. 11, 2026, in Berea, Ohio.
Opinion

Browns’ Todd Monken Wise to Use Mike Tomlin As a Media Motivator

The Browns upset the Buccaneers 24–19 on Sunday.
Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady and the sidelines watch the offensive line’s drive during first half action of the Bills preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Highmark Stadium on Aug. 27, 2026.

Bills’ Highmark Stadium Debut Begins Boom in New NFL Venues

Seven new NFL stadiums are set to open over the next half decade.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/4/26 – MLB Wants to Delay Salary Cap, WNBA Finals Record, What’s Next for ‘PTI’?

0:00

Featured Today

Pickering High School North

High School Athletic Directors Say They’re Running ‘Mini Colleges’

ADs are managing a growing list of demands from athletes and parents.
October 30, 2026

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
First at FOS

Broker in NFL Loan Scam Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

The company arranged millions in loans to convicted fraudster Luther Davis.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine delivers a statement condemning the death penalty during a news conference at his office in Columbus on June 16, 2026.
October 16, 2026

NCAA Sues Ohio Governor Over Fifth-Year Eligibility Order

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed the executive order Tuesday.
Jun 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys former running back Emmitt Smith attends game three of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
November 3, 2026

Emmitt Smith Hits Back After Lawsuit Over Failed $2.5M Solar Deal

The longtime Cowboys running back wants the plaintiff sanctioned.
Sponsored

How Jeremy Bloom Is Reinventing the X Games

Jeremy Bloom discusses transforming the X Games into a global brand.
October 13, 2026

PTPA Boss Accused of Harassment, Sexist Conduct in New Suit

The PTPA is listed as both a plaintiff and a defendant.
First at FOS
October 13, 2026

Controversial Search Firm Memo on Brian Flores Unsealed by Court

The memo is evidence for several of Flores’s claims, his lawyers say.
October 5, 2026

WPBL Records Case Alive Despite Board Member’s Firing

The league’s CEO tried to end the board member’s case by firing her.
Mar 16, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer reacts against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Exclusive
October 2, 2026

Ballmer Drops Lawyer Who Called NBA Probe a ‘Witch Hunt’

O’Melveny & Myers had been representing Ballmer in multiple matters.