The NFL has closed its investigation into the latest sexual assault allegation against Cleveland Browns linebacker Deshaun Watson.
The 29-year-old was investigated after a civil lawsuit was filed in September by a Texas woman seeking $1 million (£764,000) in damages over an incident that allegedly happened while the pair were on a date in October 2020.
Watson denied the allegation and the lawsuit was settled confidentially.
The NFL subsequently conducted its own investigation, but announced on Saturday that it would take no formal action against Watson.
“There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of violation of the personal conduct policy,” a league spokesman told the Associated Press. “The matter is closed.”
Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, told the Washington Post, “We are pleased to put this matter behind us so that 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.
From March 2020 to March 2021, he faced multiple accusations from women of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior during massages.
The NFL fined Watson $5m (£3.9m) under its personal conduct policy and he was suspended without pay.
Watson denied the allegations, and two grand juries ruled there was insufficient evidence to indict him.
Later in the summer of 2022, he entered into confidential agreements with 23 of the 24 women.
Watson has not played since October after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury.
Since his transfer in 2022, he has played just 19 times for the Browns due to suspensions and injuries.