Watson is the subject of a 23rd active civil suit accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, according to Harris County court records. Watson threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 131 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Tigers to a 4537 win, Clemson's first ACC championship since 2011. [143], On March 19, 2021, Buzbee claimed that nine more civil suits had been filed against Watson (for a total of 12) and that 22 women contacted his office regarding Watson's conduct while receiving massages. 2. Eighteen of the 22 active suits accuse Watson of inappropriately touching women with his penis during massage therapy sessions. [129][130] As part of the trade, Watson signed a new, fully guaranteed, five-year, $230 million deal with the Browns, making it the largest contract and most guaranteed money in NFL history. Watson still faces 22 active civil suits accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, but the grand jurys decision not to prosecute eliminated one barrier for the teams considering a deal for Watson. According to the seven-page response, eight plaintiffs bragged about, praised and were excited about massaging Watson; seven willingly worked or offered to work with him again; three lied about the number of sessions they had with him in their original complaints; three lied about their alleged trauma and resulting harm; five told others they wanted to get money from Watson and five have scrubbed or entirely deleted social media accounts they used to promote their businesses. 1/16/2023 1:58 PM PT. As someone who watched the games, athletically he looked great and was doing a lot of the things he was known for before the two years off. The quarterback was cleared of criminal charges related to the sexual misconduct allegations against him last week by a grand jury in Harris County, Texas. We couldnt and shouldnt have to.. His first practice with the team will be on Nov. 16. Watsons legal team, led by lawyer Rusty Hardin, cites friends and family members of the plaintiffs, as well as security guards at various spas, in its claims. Until yesterday, I did not know that they were also apparently and I have no reason to doubt this investigating Mr. Buzbees allegations, Hardin said. In that game, he threw for 365 yards, three touchdowns, and an. Prior to this, the Texans only other statement on the matter said the team would stay in close contact with the NFL as it investigated the matter. [87], In Watson's first postseason appearance, the Texans hosted the Indianapolis Colts in the Wild Card round. Content warning:This story contains details about alleged sexual abuse. Harvey has advised the NFL previously on matters involving the personal conduct policy, including being part of a committee that reviewed Ezekiel Elliotts case in 2017. A grand jury in Brazoria County, south of Houston, is meeting to decide if charges will be filed against Watson, Tony Buzbee, the attorney for the complainant, confirmed to The Athletic. He threw for over 10,000 passing yards and completed 90 touchdown passes against 32 interceptions. [28] Watson was also named the ACC Championship Game MVP. Deshaun Watson last played game. [75] In seven games (six starts) during his rookie year, Watson amassed 1,699 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions while rushing for 269 yards and two touchdowns. This, of course, isn't the first time we've been thrilled by a marquee duel between these two elite dual-threat quarterbacks. Sunday's contest against Watson's former team, the Houston Texans, will be the first time Watson plays in a regular season football game since January 2020. At a news conference on Friday afternoon, Hardin said he has not heard from the Houston Police Department regarding any criminal complaints filed against Watson and went on to say that he doesnt know if more than one criminal complaint has been filed. [125] The Texans were not willing to negotiate with other teams regarding trade offers, leading to a standoff with Watson until the emergence of sexual-harassment allegations. In her ruling, Judge Davis said the case has already taken on a high profile and that not revealing the names of the plaintiff wont stop the public from speculating. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. After Watson allegedly "forced Plaintiff's hand onto his penis" during the massage, he allegedly told her, "I will not have you sign an NDA, but don't ever talk about this." Sunday, though, will mark Watson's fifth start for the Browns when they travel to face the Washington Commanders, a 7-7-1 team still in the mix for the final NFC wild card spot. Watson reported to Texans training camp on July 25, though he has still requested a trade, a source told The Athletic . February 5, 2018: The Houston Texans activated QB Deshaun Watson. However, the seriousness of those discussions ranging from a casual conversation to actual trade negotiations hadnt been disclosed. These range from being misleading, to fraudulent, to slanderous. Watsons answer to Ms. Does lawsuit is due on April 19, 2021, Hardin writes in the motion. We take accusations of this nature very seriously.. The NFL launched an investigation into the allegations just days after the first lawsuit was filed against Watson. "This is why they aren't being overly communicative with teams. The last time he was on the field in a competitive setting NFL preseason or regular season was. He argued making the womens names public will expose them to online harassment and could result in others with similar names being harassed as well. He cant practice with the team, but can participate in on-site rehab, meet with non-football staff, attend meeting and meet with head coach Kevin Stefanski. Watson has led the Browns to one touchdown in eight quarters. "[127], Despite not being officially suspended or placed on any reserve list, Watson was ruled out for every Texans game played in 2021 for "non-injury reasons/personal matter. In the 4234 loss, Watson finished 16-of-31 for 261 yards and five touchdown passes, tying an NFL rookie record for touchdown passes thrown in a single game. NFL By DJ Byrnes on January 16, 2023. Prior to and during the hearings, Watsons attorney, Rusty Hardin, said his team had been unable to investigate allegations against Watson because opposing counsel Tony Buzbee was withholding the womens identities. Asked whether hell take all of these civil suits to trial, Hardin said absolutely. He claimed any sexual interactions Watson had with massage therapists were consensual. [81] After suffering broken ribs and a partially collapsed lung, Watson took a 12-hour bus ride from Houston to Jacksonville for a Week 7 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars rather than flying because of fears about the effects of air pressure on his chest. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell spoke publicly for the first time about Deshaun Watsons sexual assault lawsuits during ESPNs pre-NFL Draft broadcast Thursday night. All of the other stolen cars were Mercedes-Benz vehicles. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Watson still faces a possible suspension from the NFL as the league investigates the allegations. The Panthers are expected to be involved in trade talks as well. Houston believed that Watson was on course to lead the franchise to the next level and even signed their former 2017 first-round pick to a four-year, $177.5 million contract extension with $111 . One plaintiff dropped her case, citing privacy and security concerns after two district judges ordered she and 12 other plaintiffs had to refile with their names attached. Thats the risk you run., Tuegel said the rulings could have a chilling effect not only in this case but other cases too.. [103], In the Wild Card round against the Buffalo Bills, Watson led the Texans back from a 160 deficit to win 2219 in overtime, his first NFL playoff victory, despite being sacked seven times. The lawsuits of Ashley Solis, who was the first woman to file suit against Watson, and three others will continue, Buzbee said. [79] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team, becoming the second Texans quarterback to receive the award since David Carr had done so in 2002. It makes plenty of sense that the Browns would want Watson to play during the preseason. January 12, 2020 this is the last time Watson played in front of a stadium full of fans. In court, Buzbee offered to release the names of women confidentially, out of privacy and security concerns, but Hardin argued that making the names public could result in people coming forward with relevant information about Watsons accusers. That changed Sunday. They wouldnt tell us. He also rushed 10 times for 42 yards and two touchdowns in the 3124 road victory. The Last Time Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson Faced Off on the Football Field In October 2016, Lamar Jackson and Louisville traveled to Clemson, S.C. to take on Deshaun Watson and the. A spokesman for Hardins office said hell file a similar motion for all plaintiffs. The report contains accounts from some of those therapists that suggest the quarterback engaged in questionable behavior when seeking massages. [36] He was also named the 2015 ACC Player of the Year and ACC Offensive Player of the Year. Watson was booed in Houston and booed in Cincinnati . Deshaun Watson last stepped onto an NFL field in the Texans' season finale of the 2020-21 season versus the Tennessee Titans. Obviously the police have been investigating also. She stated: "People say that I'm doing this just for money. Buzbee also files four additional lawsuits this day, bringing the total to seven. Over two weeks, we tried to investigate these things privately, said Hardin, who began representing Watson against these lawsuits in mid-March. Mr. There are currently no restrictions on quarterback Deshaun Watsons participation in Houston Texans activities, the NFL said in a statement to The Athletic. Deshaun Watson to Washington has always seemed like a longshot. Watson still faces 22 active civil suits accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, but the Harris County District Attorneys Offices decision not to prosecute eliminates one barrier for teams considering trading for Watson, who has not played for Houston since requesting a trade during the 2021 offseason. Watson was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week. A hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT Friday in the 113th district court. The last time Watson played an NFL game was Jan. 3, 2021, when he was still quarterback for the Houston Texans. Deshaun Watson is one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL when he's on the field. After the Panthers benched Sam Darnold early in the fourth quarter of a 25-3 loss to the Giants, sources say they expect the Panthers to be involved in the Watson conversation leading to the trade deadline, which is Nov. 2. But I think that process is still ongoing, and until that process isnt ongoing and we have enough data and enough information to be able to make a determination of whether he should go on commissioner exempt, we dont feel we have that necessary information at this point.. Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam distributed the following statement in the wake of their organizations trade for Deshaun Watson: Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 20, 2022. The Texans finally dealt Watson to the Browns. Both women accuse Watson of inappropriately exposing himself and touching them with his erect penis. The announcements come after 22 women filed lawsuits against Watson alleging sexual assault and sexual misconduct and one day after two women went public with their complaints, becoming the first plaintiffs to identify themselves. The Houston Texans organization has not had any direct contact with either party.. Per the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that Watson exposed himself, began masturbating and ejaculated on her after making sexually suggestive comments during a massage session. [89] He was ranked 51st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019 list. PITTSBURGH The six-game trial run for Deshaun Watson as Browns quarterback came to an end in Sunday's 28-14 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers.Although "trial run" may not be accurate in the way to describe the last month-plus. Deshaun Watson 's out of the NFL playoffs, but don't feel too bad for the guy . [110] In Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, Watson threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns as the Texans lost 2331. The day after Buzbee announced he was filing suit against Watson, a total of three cases appear on the Harris County district clerks website. And even at this early stage of the litigation, the evidence obtained by the defense clearly supports Mr. Watsons denial of these allegations of force.. Who is the all-time NFL passing leader? We believe the Texans organization was well aware of Watsons issues, but failed to act. The Texans paid Watson for the 2021 season, but he was inactive for every game last season. Watson was traded to the Browns. Deshaun is here, Culley said. To defend him, Watson hired another high-profile Houston attorney in Hardin, who previously represented running back Adrian Peterson in his 2014 child-abuse case and pitcher Roger Clemens in matters related to the Mitchell Reports allegations of steroid use in baseball. The Texans continue to engage in trade conversations regarding Watson,with one source characterizing discussions with the Miami Dolphinsas serious. He was ranked as the top quarterback available in the draft by Sports Illustrated, Pro Football Focus and ESPN. But the response does not name anyone other than Watson and the plaintiffs. The 22 active civil suits allege Watson forced two women to perform oral sex, ejaculated on three women and in front of three others, groped four women and kissed another woman unprompted upon arrival for a massage appointment. [121], Watson finished the 2020 season with 4,823 passing yards (the most in the NFL), 33 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. [122] His season was, by all major statistical measures, the best in franchise history, leading in passing touchdowns, passing yards and passer rating. Under the rules of the 2020 CBA, commissioner Roger Goodell had the choice to preside over the appeal himself or appoint someone else. He was traded from Houston to Cleveland this spring before signing a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal with the Browns. Harris County presented nine complaints against Watson to that grand jury. [95][96] In the next game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Watson threw for 280 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. Houston attorney Tony Buzbee represented the plaintiffs in all previous lawsuits against Watson, all but one of which has been settled. During both hearings and in his responsive filings, Buzbee suggested his clients could enter into a confidentiality or protective order rather than replead with her name attached to their complaints. A woman agreed to have her name attached to her suit later on Friday, leaving seven anonymous accusers after two additional women agreed to come forward earlier in the week. His five total scores tied the NFL rookie touchdown record. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league is still determining whether or not Deshaun Watson should go on the commissioners exempt list, adding the league is adamant about not interfering with investigations into allegations that Watson committed sexual misconduct and sexual assault. [53], Watson was projected as a first-round pick by the majority of scouts and analysts. 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