A new lawsuit — with new lawyers — has been filed against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, claiming an incident of sexual misconduct that allegedly took place in December 2020.

The lawsuit was filed in Harris County District Court (Texas) on Thursday. 

The plaintiff’s attorney is not Tony Buzbee, who brought 24 lawsuits against Watson, 23 of which have been settled.

The new accuser, a massage therapist, claims Watson pressured her into a sex act during a massage session in December 2020.

‘It’s taken her some time to come forward,’ attorney Anissah Nguyen told Fox 8 WJW in Cleveland. 

A new lawsuit has been filed against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson

‘She’s doing it for herself and other women who have been victimized by Deshaun Watson. She knows that by speaking out she is going to have to deal with the hard conversations.’

Watson is currently serving an 11-game suspension for off-field conduct violations related to ‘predatory’ behavior involving more than two dozen women who alleged sexual assault and other inappropriate behavior. He was also assessed a $5million fine.

The 26-year-old was originally suspended six games by an independent arbitrator before the NFL appealed the perceived light sentence. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell had the right to rule over the appeal, but instead tapped former New Jersey attorney general Peter C. Harvey to handle the duties.

Watson is currently serving an 11-game suspension for off-field conduct violations

The 26-year-old was originally suspended six games by an independent arbitrator before the NFL appealed the perceived light sentence. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell had the right to rule over the appeal, but instead tapped former New Jersey attorney general Peter C. Harvey to handle the duties 

Ultimately, though, the NFL and players’ union reached a compromise before Harvey issued his decision.

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As part of the deal, Watson is required to ‘promptly undergo a professional evaluation by behavioral experts and will follow their treatment program.’ He previously told reporters that he was already undergoing counseling.

Two separate Texas grand juries declined to indict Watson, who denied the claims. And although he apologized ‘for any pain this situation has caused,’ he reiterated his belief in his own innocence when talking to reporters Thursday. 

The three-time Pro Bowl QB was allegedly sexually inappropriate with the women during massage therapy appointments while he played for Houston between 2019 and 2021. Watson settled 23 of 24 civil lawsuits filed by the women, who have accused him of everything from indecent exposure to claims of forced oral sex. 

Watson said in a statement that he was sorry ‘for any pain this situation has caused,’ but when speaking to reporters at Browns training camp in August, he once again reiterated his innocence. 

Watson released his own statement back in August after the settlement was revealed

It’s unclear how the new accusation will affect Watson’s return – due for December – to the field

‘I’m moving on with my career and my life, and I’m continuing to stand on my innocence,’ Watson said. ‘Just because settlements happen doesn’t mean a person is guilty.’

He also declined to say if the settlement was fair or not: ‘I’m going to keep my opinion to myself.’

Watson’s punishment began on August 30 at 4pm, and he was not eligible to return to the Browns facility until October 10. However, he cannot resume practicing again until November 14. 

The fine, coupled with $1m contributions from the NFL and the Browns, will create a $7m charitable fund that will be used to educate young people on sexual assault.  

The Browns acquired Watson via trade from the Houston Texans and signed him to a five-year, $230m contract in the offseason. 

When the suspension ends, Watson ostensibly would be eligible make his regular-season debut with the Browns in Week 13 at Houston in December. 

It’s unclear how the new accusation will affect Watson’s return to the field.