Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has been listed as inactive so far this season as he deals with allegations of assault or sexual harassment made in 22 civil lawsuits.
The team is paying the star quarterback more than $ 17 million this season to remain on the inactive list as statements on the plaintiff’s civil side progress, with at least two accusers already deposed, but the criminal side of the plaintiffs. Accusations appear to be quiet, reports the Justice League.
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The Justice League spoke with plaintiffs’ attorney Tony Buzbee on Monday and said local prosecutors began meeting with some of the women to secure possible Grand Jury interviews.
Deshaun Watson # 4 of the Houston Texans reacts to a penalty in the second quarter during their game against the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato /.)
Buzbee, who represents the 22 women in the civil lawsuits, said prosecutors have met with two women so far and asked them if they would be willing to answer Grand Jury questions if asked, the Justice League reports. Buzbee told the outlet that prosecutors are in the process of scheduling a meeting with four more of his clients.
“Prosecutors allegedly told one of Watson’s accusers that they will take the case to a grand jury in Houston ‘possibly in December, but most likely in January,'” reports Amy Dash, founder of the Justice League. “Prosecutors also reportedly told the woman that they are awaiting additional evidence from their investigators, according to Buzbee, which could explain the delay. Prosecutors met with one of Watson’s accusers last Friday and lawyers were not allowed into the courtroom. I think they’ll take it to a grand jury. I don’t think there is any doubt about it.
Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, said he is prepared to defend his client against any formal charges, but told the Justice League that he always assumed that a grand jury proceeding would be the case.
Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) wipes his hands after stretching during NFL football practice on Saturday, July 31, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo / Justin Rex)
“I’ve always assumed that’s what would happen,” Hardin said, according to the League of Justice. “That’s what a grand jury investigation is about, so there’s nothing about it, it’s surprising if it’s true. I don’t know anything personally about it. I welcome it. That’s what I always assumed would happen.
Hardin also told the outlet that Watson would have the opportunity to testify before a grand jury, but has yet to receive such suggestions from a prosecutor; He said that kind of thing depends on the prosecution and the Grand Jury.
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“So the way it is now is that they are gathering their information, they are talking to witnesses, which is a normal process,” he told the outlet. “They decide which witnesses to call… I have always welcomed any third party to listen to both sides. I am perfectly happy with that. Obviously, we firmly believe that he did nothing wrong and will continue to defend him to the fullest extent humanly possible. “
If a Grand Jury decides to impeach Watson in January, it means the NFL is likely to permanently place him on the Commissioner’s Exemption List – a player status in which the NFL Commissioner can place a player if he is formally charged. of a crime or if you are indicted by a grand jury, until the matter is resolved.
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks to throw a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, January 3, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo / Sam Craft)
OutKick reported in July that 10 women had filed complaints with the Houston Police Department about the quarterback. Eight of them are among the 22 women who have alleged in the lawsuits that Watson sexually assaulted them or engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior during massage sessions.
The Justice League reports that if 10 women participated in taped interviews, those interviews are in the hands of prosecutors and can be presented to a Grand Jury if they choose.
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