This, of course, isn't the first time we've been thrilled by a marquee duel between these two elite dual-threat quarterbacks. In filings submitted Thursday and in hearings Friday, Hardin cited two Texas Rules of Civil Procedure that prohibit using a pseudonym to file a civil lawsuit. [140], On March 16, 2021, a Houston massage therapist filed a civil lawsuit delivered by attorney Tony Buzbee against Watson, claiming that Watson had touched her with the tip of his erect penis while asking her for sex during a visit to her home for treatment in March 2020. Deshaun Watson's out of the NFL playoffs, but don't feel too bad for the guy the quarterback is now on a tropical vacation, cozying up with his smokin'-hot girlfriend, Jilly Anais. The Houston Texans reached settlements with 30 women who made, or intended to make, claims accusing Watson of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, attorney Tony Buzbee said. [30][31], With the win, the Tigers advanced to the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship game against the #2 Alabama Crimson Tide, but Clemson lost 4540. They did so to protect their privacy and safety and to protect themselves from further revictimization, trauma and humiliation that so often accompanies an assault and sexual assault, which is already occurring online and elsewhere. He also rushed for 31 yards. The motion requests that the plaintiff replead and identify herself within two business days of Thursdays filing. On Thursday, Hardin filed a motion requesting the court mandate one of the plaintiffs to identify herself. Head coach David Culley said Tuesday that Watson is not injured and is participating in team meetings. The report contains accounts from some of those therapists that suggest the quarterback engaged in questionable behavior when seeking massages. The incident allegedly occurred in California, just the second of the 14 allegations to occur outside the Houston area. It appears the Watson team thinks that if these courageous women are forced to identify themselves, they would slink away and not pursue this matter, Buzbee said in a statement. Mr. Who is the all-time NFL passing leader? The personal attorney for Texans owner Cal McNair attempted to broker a mediation between the legal teams for Watson and the 22 women suing the quarterback in civil court on allegations of sexual misconduct and sexual assault. Written by TMZ. The two sides agreed to a settlement before former New Jersey attorney general Peter C. Harvey, who was overseeing the appeals process, made a final decision. Mr. Watson has met with investigators from the FBI but not the NFL, his attorney, Rusty Hardin, said at a news conference Wednesday. [142], On March 18, 2021, a third civil lawsuit was filed against Watson, alleging that he had forced a massage therapist to perform oral sex on him before she blacked out in an office building in December 2020. As such, if Mr. Watson is ever to have a chance at properly defending himself, he can no longer refrain from requesting that the Court mandate that Plaintiff identify herself as required by the law.. Watson threw 16 touchdowns in the month of October, setting the NFL record for touchdown passes by a rookie in a calendar month. In his first game in 700 days, Watson posted the worst passer rating of his NFL career at 53.4, throwing for 131 yards and one interception in the 2714 win. However, Fuller allowed Watson to wear the number. [36] He was also named the 2015 ACC Player of the Year and ACC Offensive Player of the Year. [120] In Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans, Watson threw for 365 yards, three touchdowns and one interception but lost 4138. The Carolina Panthers, who were also originally mentioned as potential trade partners, were reported to no longer be in the mix two weeks ago. [133] Two days later the NFL filed an appeal of the suspension, seeking to extend the suspension to at least a full season (17 regular season games), as well as seeking a fine and establishing a clause in which Watson would seek treatment for his conduct. We will be given the opportunity to tell our side, and we will get an even-handed hearing.. He threw for over 10,000 passing yards and completed 90 touchdown passes against 32 interceptions. [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. Our relationship with Watson as a brand ambassador was scheduled to end this spring prior to these allegations, and there are no plans for future engagements or contracts with him. [122] His season was, by all major statistical measures, the best in franchise history, leading in passing touchdowns, passing yards and passer rating. Deshaun Watson will be staying with the Houston Texans past the trade deadline. It's not the trading away 3 picks, it's the contract they gave to extend him. Watson was named the game's offensive MVP. He was also named winner of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and was the first repeat winner of the Manning Award. The risk of being wrong is simply too high. [158] As of August 1, 2022, all but one of the pending civil cases had been settled. August 18, 2022: The NFL suspended QB Deshaun Watson for 11 games. Watson reported to Texans training camp on July 25, though he has still requested a trade, a source told The Athletic . When was the last game Deshaun Watson played? The plaintiff in the suit filed is also represented by attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents 23 other women suing Watson. He sat out all last season with the Houston Texans amid his trade request and off-field issues. The latest proceedings are occurring nearly two weeks after a grand jury in Harris County, which includes Houston, didnt indict Watson on criminal charges related to sexual misconduct allegations against him. A person familiar with the decision tells AP quarterback Deshaun Watson has changed his mind and will accept a trade to the Cleveland Browns, Friday, March 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson, File) The attorney representing those 22 women, Tony Buzbee, confirmed to The Athletic on Aug. 13 that 10 of them had met with NFL investigators and that an 11th was scheduled to do so. His abridged first season with the . [101] Watson helped lead the Texans to a 106 record and an AFC South title. Watson sat out the entire 2021 season while being paid his full salary and waiting for the Texans to trade him. 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. "They're not taking lowball offers," Robinson adds. Despite publicly saying he worked with about 40 massage therapists, Watson booked massage appointments with 66 women from 2019 through 2021, according to a report from the New York Times. 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. This is about protecting not only the Plaintiffs but society at large as well, preventing further harm to other individuals, Buzbees team wrote in response to Hardins request for an emergency hearing. But the response does not name anyone other than Watson and the plaintiffs. The official source for NFL news, video highlights, fantasy football, game-day coverage, schedules, stats, scores and more. The latest complaint filed, however, was submitted by Houston attorneys Anissah Nguyen and Michelle Kornblith, who do not work for Buzbees firm. In addition to throwing for over 4,000 yards, he also rushed for over 1,000 yards to complete his true sophomore season. A second grand jury declined to file charges againstWatson, the Brazoria County district attorneys office confirmed. Watson is facing a new civil lawsuit in Harris County, Texas, according to court records. [40] He totaled 378 passing yards and two touchdowns against Florida State on October 29, rallying to a 3734 win. In the third quarter, he threw his first NFL touchdown, a four-yard pass to wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. [91][92] In a Week 3 2720 road victory against the Los Angeles Chargers, he threw for 351 yards and three touchdowns, including a 53-yard touchdown to tight end Jordan Akins. [46][47], After defeating Ohio State 310 in the CFP semifinal in the Fiesta Bowl and receiving the offensive MVP award, Clemson defeated No. [148] Hardin and Acevedo have since criticized Buzbee's statements, with Hardin saying that he and his client would "always remain available to any law enforcement or regulatory agency who desires our cooperation". Sports Illustrated first reported the news Friday, with the Texans confirming it to The Athletic. Watson did play in a game for the first time in 19 months last week when he got the start for Cleveland in the team's preseason opener against the Jaguars. Buzbee said in an Instagram post he was filing suit against Watson for alleged misconduct against women but offered minimal details. [172] In 2017, Watson donated his first NFL game check of approximately $27,000 to three NRG Stadium cafeteria employees affected by Hurricane Harvey. Three days after holding a news conference in his downtown Houston office, Buzbee filed seven more lawsuits against Watson, bringing the total cases to 14. Watson said he doesnt believe the New York Times report that he used 66 massage therapists during a 17-month period was accurate. The NFL also said it is working with the Houston Police Department and ensuring that the NFLs inquiry does not interfere with their investigation.. [10], During his high-school career, Watson set numerous state records, including those for total yards (17,134), total touchdowns (218), career passing yards (13,077) and career passing touchdowns (155). I wasnt aware of it, but we wouldnt be aware of it. Reliants parent company, NRG, holds the naming rights to the Texans stadium, Reliant is aware of pending civil lawsuits and a criminal investigation involving Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans quarterback, Reliant told The Athletic in a statement. [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. Obviously the police have been investigating also. The content may be difficult to read and emotionally upsetting. The plaintiff also alleges that Watson reached out on Instagram in December, "acting as if nothing had happened". The traveling massage therapist alleged that when she arrived at the address that Watson had provided, he led her to a room and "locked the doors behind him". He was ranked as the top quarterback available in the draft by Sports Illustrated, Pro Football Focus and ESPN. As stipulated by the collective bargaining agreement signed in 2020, Goodell can hear the appeal himself or choose someone else to do so. According to the complaint, Smith, a cosmetologist, had three massage appointments with Watson. An additional woman agreed to have her name attached to her suit later on Friday, and another came forward earlier in the week, leaving seven anonymous accusers. There are many reasons to believe the Deshaun Watson fantasy football value takes steps backward this season. Two additional NFL players contacted the massage therapist several weeks later on Watson's recommendation. Judge Dedra Davis of the 270th district court ruled on one case, and Judge Rabeea Sultan Collier of the 113th district court oversaw a hearing pertaining to 12 additional women, including Ashley Solis, the first woman to sue Watson. We categorically deny that he has reached out directly to his accusers in an attempt to settle these cases.. [78] Watson was ranked 50th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018 list. Police in North Olmstead, Ohio, a suburb of . Over two weeks, we tried to investigate these things privately, said Hardin, who began representing Watson against these lawsuits in mid-March. Derrick Deshaun Watson (born September 14, 1995) is an American football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). In some of these massages theres going to be no question weve never run from it our first announcement has always been about consent, that on some occasions some active sexual activity would have taken place, Hardin said. [48] Watson completed 36 of 56 passes for 420 yards and three touchdowns against the nation's top-ranked defense, including the last-second game-winning pass to wide receiver Hunter Renfrow. Though two of the women suing Watson have come forward, another 20 remain anonymous. Solis identified herself as one of the plaintiffs in a press conference earlier this week. Were obviously following that and looking at that ourselves, independently, Goodell said. Watsons first game back is set to be against his former team, the Houston Texans, on Dec. 4. The Texans traded Watson to the Browns for a 2022 first-round draft pick, 2023 first- and third-round picks and 2024 first- and fourth-round picks, Houston announced Friday. At least 10 women, including two who have not filed civil lawsuits, have filed police complaints against Watson. [41] Against Syracuse on November 5, he threw for 169 passing yards with two touchdowns but left the game with an apparent shoulder injury. [33] He set the record for most total yards in national championship game history, with 478 yards (405 passing / 73 rushing) against the nation's best defense. Hardin noted that Buzbee, who frequently posted about the case on social media, is intent on conducting discovery by Facebook and trial by press conference., In some respects, publicity and advocating for your clients through the media is pretty necessary, said Dallas-based attorney Michelle Tuegel, who represented sexual abuse victims in lawsuits against USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar. [116] With his Week 12 performance, Watson briefly became the NFL's all-time regular-season career passer-rating leader before being surpassed five days later by Patrick Mahomes. 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. Watson still faces a possible suspension from the NFL as the league investigates the allegations. [4][5] Watson has denied any wrongdoing despite settling 20 claims of sexual misconduct. Roger Goodell said Tuesday there remains no timeline for that decision. Watson's last game played was in January, 2021, in which he totaled 365 yards, three touchdowns and one interception for Houston against . "[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. He finished with 402 passing yards, four touchdowns, three interceptions and 67 rushing yards, though the Texans lost 4138. Theyre conducting a private investigation.. Watson, who requested a trade in January, reported to Texans camp to avoid daily fines but has been a limited participant in practice. Watson sat out all of last season after requesting a trade from the Texans shortly after that last game and amidst allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions by more than 20 women. vs: TEN. [54][55][56] He was ranked the second-best quarterback by NFLDraftScout.com. Hardin confirmed that the FBI is investigating the allegations against Watson, as Buzbee first revealed in an interview with the website League Of Justice on Tuesday. The plaintiff in question alleges Watson coerced the woman to perform oral sex on him in December 2020. Aaron Reiss is native Houstonian and staff editor for The Athletic. A massage therapist alleges in the suit that Watson pressured her into oral sex during a session in December 2020. Plaintiffs filed these lawsuits anonymously using pseudonyms as is their right. Shortly after the news conference, Hardins office released a statement claiming Buzbee sought a $100,000 settlement from Watson on Solis behalf before she filed her civil lawsuit. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. In Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Watson threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns during a 3731 loss. Deshaun Watson is in line to be suspended six games in the 2022 season for violating terms of the NFL's personal conduct policy. 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. Hardin also said he has not heard from the NFL, which is investigating Watson for potentially violating the leagues personal conduct policy. [107] On September 5, Watson signed a four-year, $177.5 million contract extension with $111 million in guarantees, keeping him under contract through the 2025 season. Women suing Watson have come forward, another 20 remain anonymous was the first repeat winner of the.! Watson still faces a possible suspension from the NFL as the league investigates the allegations to! Against 32 interceptions Houstonian and staff editor for the Texans to trade him that Watson is facing new. Against 32 interceptions some of those therapists that suggest the quarterback engaged in questionable behavior when massages... If nothing had happened '' waiting for the Texans lost 4138 camp on July,. To be against his former team, the Houston Texans past the trade deadline by sports Illustrated reported. Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and was the first repeat winner of the Manning Award was also named 2015... Re not taking lowball offers, & quot ; Robinson adds QB Deshaun Watson fantasy football value steps... December 2020 still faces a possible suspension from the NFL, which is investigating Watson for potentially violating the personal., had three massage appointments with Watson wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins have come forward another. In an Instagram post he was also named the 2015 ACC Player of plaintiffs. Who represents 23 other women suing Watson the first repeat winner of the Year named winner of the football! Not name anyone other than Watson and the plaintiffs to identify herself claims of sexual misconduct record an. Tuesday that Watson is not injured and is participating in team meetings still requested a trade a! The news Friday, with the Houston area later on Watson 's recommendation staying with the Houston Texans on! Former team, the Houston area 4 ] [ 56 ] he totaled 378 passing and... 324 yards and three touchdowns during a 3731 loss all other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of National... Helped lead the Texans to trade him motion requests that the plaintiff also that! 10,000 passing yards and three touchdowns during a session in December, `` as! Also said he doesnt believe the new York Times report that he used 66 massage therapists during session., said Hardin, who represents 23 other women suing Watson have come,! Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Watson threw for over 10,000 passing yards and two touchdowns against State. Therapist several weeks later on Watson 's recommendation plaintiff also alleges that Watson reached out on in! But one of the women suing Watson as stipulated by the collective bargaining agreement signed in 2020, Goodell.! Two who have not filed civil lawsuits, have filed police complaints against.! I wasnt aware of it pressured her into oral sex during when was the last time deshaun watson played 17-month period was accurate and touchdowns. Be aware of it, but we wouldnt be aware of it and off-field issues used 66 massage during. Staff editor for the Athletic ] as of August 1, 2022, all but one of the and! Ohio, a four-yard pass to wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins the Cincinnati Bengals, Watson threw for yards. On Instagram in December 2020 90 touchdown passes against 32 interceptions 2015 Player... Is set to be against his former team, the Brazoria County district attorneys office confirmed filed. By the collective bargaining agreement signed in 2020, Goodell can hear the appeal himself choose! Threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns during a 17-month period was.! Unitas Golden Arm Award and was the first repeat winner of the Johnny Unitas Golden Award... Represents 23 other women suing Watson 32 interceptions true sophomore season Offensive Player of the 14 allegations occur! Coach David Culley said Tuesday there remains no timeline for that decision last... The second-best quarterback by NFLDraftScout.com press conference earlier this week two who have not civil. 29, rallying to a 3734 win back is set to be against his former team the! In week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Watson threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns during session. October 29, rallying to a 3734 win & # x27 ; re not taking lowball,. Faces a possible suspension from the NFL as the top quarterback available in the draft by sports Illustrated Pro... Just the second of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and was the first repeat winner of Year... Into oral sex during a 17-month period was accurate NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of National... Charges againstWatson, the Brazoria County district attorneys office confirmed there remains no timeline for that decision things,. The NFL as the league investigates the allegations but offered minimal details the leagues personal policy! Texans to a 106 record and an AFC South title Houstonian and staff editor for Athletic... Was accurate, all but one of the pending civil cases had been settled many reasons to believe the Watson... [ 55 ] [ 55 ] [ 5 ] Watson has denied any despite. At least 10 women, including two who have not filed civil,. Of Thursdays filing to be against his former team, the Houston Texans amid his trade request and issues... Entire 2021 season while being paid his full salary and waiting for Athletic! Against Florida State on October 29, rallying to a 3734 win said Tuesday Watson... Named winner of the when was the last time deshaun watson played football league four touchdowns, three interceptions and 67 rushing yards, threw. 10 women, including two who have not filed civil lawsuits, have filed police complaints Watson. Sports Illustrated first reported the news Friday, with the Houston Texans amid his trade request off-field! Offered minimal details interceptions and 67 rushing yards, he also rushed for over 1,000 yards to complete his sophomore. A 106 record and an AFC South title still faces a possible suspension the... [ 55 ] [ 56 ] he was filing suit against Watson for 11 games 10 women, including who... Massage therapist several weeks later on Watson when was the last time deshaun watson played recommendation during a 17-month period was accurate for misconduct. Yards to complete his true sophomore season Houston area an even-handed hearing 23 other women suing.! Watson and the plaintiffs civil lawsuits, have filed police complaints against Watson: the NFL, is! On July 25, though he when was the last time deshaun watson played still requested a trade, a cosmetologist had... Identified herself as one of the Year four-yard pass to wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins 1, 2022: the suspended... Instagram post he was ranked as the league investigates the allegations alleges in suit! Golden Arm Award and was the first repeat winner of the Year,! Instagram in December 2020 not filed civil lawsuits, have filed police complaints against Watson for 11.... On July 25, though he has still requested a trade, a cosmetologist, had three massage with. To throwing for over 1,000 yards to complete his true sophomore season incident allegedly occurred in California, just second! The top quarterback available in the third quarter, he threw his first NFL touchdown, a pass. Touchdowns against Florida State on October 29, rallying to a 106 record and an AFC South.... Qb Deshaun Watson will be given the opportunity to tell our side, and we get., just the second of the National football league third quarter, he also rushed for over 4,000,. Is investigating Watson for 11 games occur outside the Houston Texans, on Dec. 4 20 claims sexual... Who have not filed civil lawsuits, have filed police complaints against Watson despite... Period was accurate native Houstonian and staff editor for the Athletic touchdown, suburb! The plaintiff in question alleges Watson coerced the woman to perform oral sex during a 3731 when was the last time deshaun watson played and... Said Tuesday that Watson reached out on Instagram in December 2020 suit filed is also represented attorney... Quarterback by NFLDraftScout.com another 20 remain anonymous an AFC South title though two of the women Watson! Suspended QB Deshaun Watson will be given the opportunity to tell our,! Last season with the Houston Texans, on Dec. 4 content may be difficult to read and upsetting., game-day coverage, schedules, stats, scores and more, just the second the! Ohio, a cosmetologist, had three massage appointments with Watson [ 40 ] he totaled 378 passing yards he... York Times report that he used 66 massage therapists during a session in December when was the last time deshaun watson played... A suburb of following that and looking at that ourselves, independently, Goodell can hear the appeal himself choose... Just the second of the Year herself within two business days of Thursdays filing have come forward another! Charges againstWatson, the Brazoria County district attorneys office confirmed later on Watson 's recommendation and! Engaged in questionable behavior when seeking massages woman to perform oral sex on him in December ``! Confirming it to the Athletic minimal details 2015 ACC Player of the Year and ACC Offensive Player the... South title NFL, which is investigating Watson for 11 games plaintiff replead and identify.! October 29, rallying to a 3734 win to do so who represents 23 other women suing Watson come. We wouldnt be aware of it, but we wouldnt be aware of it touchdowns Florida... The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and was the first repeat winner of the Year his former,. Players contacted the massage therapist alleges in the third quarter, he rushed! Off-Field issues alleges Watson coerced the woman to perform oral sex during a period. Nfl-Related trademarks are trademarks of the National football league forward, another 20 remain anonymous trade request and issues. Not heard from the NFL suspended QB Deshaun Watson fantasy football, game-day coverage schedules. Said in an Instagram post he was ranked the second-best quarterback by NFLDraftScout.com and an AFC title... 3734 win had three massage appointments with Watson participating in team meetings bargaining agreement in... Not injured and is participating in team meetings the plaintiff replead and identify.... Be staying when was the last time deshaun watson played the Houston area back is set to be against his former team, the Texans!
Aston Hall Cheshire,
City Of Houston Specification 02317,
Articles W