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No indictment for Texans QB Watson over sex assault claims

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A grand jury on Friday declined to indict Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson following a police investigation sparked by lawsuits filed by 22 ladies who’ve accused him of sexual assault and harassment.

The grand jury’s determination got here a few yr after the ladies first filed their fits, accusing Watson of exposing himself, touching them together with his penis or kissing them towards their will throughout therapeutic massage appointments. One girl alleged Watson compelled her to carry out oral intercourse.

Houston police started investigating Watson in April 2021 after a legal criticism was filed. The FBI additionally was reviewing the allegations.

Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson practices with the group throughout NFL soccer observe Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, in Houston.
(AP Picture/Justin Rex File)

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Prosecutors offered proof and testimony to the grand jury for over six hours on Friday associated to 9 legal complaints towards Watson, Johna Stallings, chief of the grownup intercourse crimes and trafficking division with the Harris County District Legal professional’s Workplace, mentioned. She declined to say what doable prices have been offered to the grand jury for consideration.

“We respect the grand jury’s determination,” Stallings mentioned.

Stallings mentioned that call ended legal proceedings associated to Watson in Harris County, the place Houston is situated.

GRAND JURY LOOKS AT DESHAUN WATSON SEX ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS 

Watson’s legal professionals have mentioned “some sexual exercise” occurred throughout a few of the therapeutic massage appointments however that he by no means coerced anybody.

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“We’re delighted that the grand jury has regarded on the matter totally and reached the identical conclusion we did. Deshaun Watson didn’t commit any crimes and isn’t responsible of any offenses,” Rusty Hardin, Watson’s lead legal professional, mentioned in a press release.

Tony Buzbee, the legal professional representing the 22 ladies, mentioned the legal case is separate from the civil instances and he’ll proceed the method of questioning Watson because the lawsuits transfer towards trial. Earlier Friday, Buzbee questioned Watson throughout a deposition, the primary the NFL star has given as a part of the lawsuits.

“The civil instances will proceed to collect steam. We take Mr. Watson’s deposition once more Tuesday. Respect the method,” Buzbee mentioned.

Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs drills with the team during NFL football practice Thursday, July 29, 2021, in Houston. 

Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs drills with the group throughout NFL soccer observe Thursday, July 29, 2021, in Houston. 
(AP Picture/Justin Rex)

Eight of the ladies who sued Watson filed legal complaints towards him with Houston police and had been set to seem earlier than the grand jury. Two different ladies who didn’t sue Watson additionally filed police complaints.

Watson’s legal professionals have sought to steadiness their protection of the NFL star whereas concurrently condemning sexual violence towards ladies. They’ve known as the lawsuits a “cash seize” and claimed that every one 22 ladies who sued are mendacity — a technique some consultants and advocates say depends on long-used tropes designed to reduce such accusations.

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Buzbee has mentioned a few of his shoppers have confronted criticism and even dying threats.

POTENTIAL AARON RODGERS DEAL HAS ‘NO NEW UPDATES,’ PACKERS GM SAYS

Even earlier than the lawsuits have been filed in March 2021, Watson had requested to be traded. The commerce request and the lawsuits stored Watson out all final season. The Texans have been anticipated to attempt to commerce Watson this offseason.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy mentioned the league is “carefully monitoring all developments” and that matter “stays underneath overview of the private conduct coverage.”

No trial date has been set for the lawsuits.

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The deposition of Watson for the civil instances happened within the workplaces of Hardin’s regulation agency, situated about half a mile (0.8 km) away from the Harris County legal courthouse in downtown Houston, the place the grand jury met.

Watson invoked his Fifth Modification proper towards self-incrimination throughout the deposition, Hardin mentioned.

“No lawyer in America would let their shopper testify in a courtroom case with the identical issues being thought of by a grand jury,” Hardin mentioned.

Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans looks on against the Cincinnati Bengals at NRG Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Houston, Texas.

Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans appears on towards the Cincinnati Bengals at NRG Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Houston, Texas.
(Carmen Mandato/Getty Pictures)

With the legal investigation over, “we’re glad to maneuver ahead with the civil case depositions” Hardin mentioned.

Buzbee mentioned that Watson’s refusal to reply his questions Friday solely bolstered the ladies’s allegations.

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“If he did nothing mistaken, why not simply say that?” Buzbee mentioned.

Hardin mentioned Buzbee’s solely aim on Friday was to ask Watson “salacious questions” and launch transcripts to the media to make him look unhealthy.

Hardin and Buzbee are two of the best-known legal professionals in Texas. Hardin is a civil and legal protection legal professional who represented ex-pitcher Roger Clemens when he was acquitted in 2012 of prices that he lied to Congress by denying he used performance-enhancing medicine. Buzbee represented former Texas Gov. Rick Perry in an abuse-of-power case and settled lawsuits for 10 youngsters who had accused Texas millionaire Stanley Marsh 3 of paying them for sexual acts.

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Deontay Wilder scared for Mike Tyson's well-being in Jake Paul fight: 'He’s too old for this'

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Deontay Wilder scared for Mike Tyson's well-being in Jake Paul fight: 'He’s too old for this'

From one former heavyweight title winner to another, Deontay Wilder fears 57-year-old Mike Tyson might end up in a coma after fighting Jake Paul. 

Tyson shocked everyone when he agreed to fight Paul, which was commissioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations as a professional fight, on July 20. 

What was initially an exhibition match has turned into a highly anticipated bout, but Wilder doesn’t think anyone truly cares about Tyson’s well-being. 

Mike Tyson’s fight against Jake Paul in Texas this summer has been sanctioned as a competitive boxing match, making the rounds shorter and the gloves heavier. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

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“I think it’s bad the commission has licensed Mike Tyson because he hasn’t been active in 20 years, so they should not just license him because of who he is, that’s how people get hurt – God forbid he gets hurt,” Wilder said to Sportsbook Review. 

“People can get hit in the wrong place and at the wrong time, there’s lots of examples where guys have been hit into a coma. It’s easy to do. He’s too old for this.

“At the end of the day, no one gives a f— about Mike.”

MIKE TYSON VS. JAKE PAUL BOXING MATCH OFFICIALLY SANCTIONED, WILL COUNT FOR PROFESSIONAL RECORDS

Wilder continued by saying he doesn’t care that Tyson underwent tests to deem this a professional fight. 

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“As long as you’re willing to suffer the consequences if something bad goes wrong,” Wilder said. 

Deontay Wilder shadowboxes

Heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder shadowboxes during a media workout at UFC APEX on Sept. 22, 2022 in Las Vegas.   (Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

After the fight was sanctioned, Paul recently said he is “super respectful” of Tyson, but “All is fair in love and war.”

“I love the guy, but as soon as it turned into a pro fight, one of us has to die,” the YouTube star-turned-boxer said. 

Videos of Tyson working out for the fight have shocked many with how fast and powerful he still looks at his age. But Wilder, again, doesn’t care what videos show or what Tyson even says about his well-being. 

“His power may not have left completely, but you still need to set it up, your stamina needs to be a certain way, or it’s going to look like a clown show. I don’t want to see it to be honest,” he explained.

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Jake Paul, Deontay Wilder, and Mike Tyson side by side

Former heavyweight belt holder Deontay Wilder is genuinely scared for Mike Tyson in his fight with Jake Paul. (Getty Images)

“I don’t want the last thing I remember of him is him getting knocked out by a YouTuber. The last thing you do, that’s what people remember you by.”

While Paul and Tyson prepare for their fight, Wilder will be fighting Zhilei Zhang on June 1. 

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Saturday's high school baseball and softball playoff results plus updated pairings

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Saturday's high school baseball and softball playoff results plus updated pairings

CITY SECTION

BASEBALL

Tuesday’s Schedule

(All games at 3 p.m. unless noted)

Division I

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First Round

#17 Westchester at #16 South Gate

#18 Franklin at #15 LACES

Division II

First Round

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#17 Sun Valley Magnet at #16 Van Nuys

#20 Stella at #13 Fremont

#19 Los Angeles at #14 Rancho Dominguez

#18 SOCES at #15 Grant

Division III

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First Round

#17 Animo Venice at #16 Downtown Magnets

#20 Central City Value at #13 Community Charter

#19 Animo Robinson at #14 Triumph Charter

#18 CALS Early College at #15 LA Jordan

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Wednesday’s Schedule

(All games at 3 p.m. unless noted)

Open Division

First Round

#1 Granada Hills, bye

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#9 El Camino Real at #8 Narbonne

#12 Sun Valley Poly at #5 Sylmar

#4 Bell, bye

#3 Carson, bye

#11 Cleveland at #6 Legacy

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#10 San Pedro at #7 Taft

#2 Birmingham, bye

SOFTBALL

Saturday’s Results

Division III

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Quarterfinals

VAAS 9, Torres 1

Bell 16, Rancho Dominguez 6

Sotomayor 9, Huntington Park 8

Narbonne 16, Maywood Academy 7

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Division IV

Quarterfinals

Community Charter 24, LA Academy of Arts & Enterprise 0

LA University 19, Dymally 4

LACES 15, CALS Early College 1

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Monday’s Schedule

(All games at 3 p.m. unless noted)

Division I

Quarterfinals

#9 Bravo at #1 Garfield

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#5 Verdugo Hills at #4 San Fernando

#6 Eagle Rock at #3 Granada Hills Kennedy

#15 Palisades at #10 LA Marshall

Division II

Quarterfinals

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#8 Franklin at #1 Chatsworth

#12 Sylmar at #4 Taft

#11 North Hollywood at #3 LA Wilson

#7 King/Drew at #2 Marquez

Division IV

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Quarterfinals

#11 Fulton vs. #3 LA Leadership Academy, 2:30 p.m. at Cypress Parks and Recs

Tuesday’s Schedule

(All games at 3 p.m. unless noted)

Open Division

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Semifinals

#5 El Camino Real at #1 Granada Hills

#3 Carson at #2 Birmingham

Division III

Semifinals

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#9 VAAS at #4 Bell

#11 Sotomayor at #2 Narbonne

Division IV

Semifinals

#5 LA University at #1 Community Charter

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#10 LACES vs. LA Leadership Academy/Fulton

SOUTHERN SECTION

BASEBALL

Tuesday’s Schedule

(All games at 3:15 p.m. unless noted)

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Semifinals

Division 1

Huntington Beach at Corona

Harvard-Westlake vs. Orange Lutheran at Hart Park, 6 p.m.

Division 2

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Arcadia at Hart

Ayala at Moorpark

Division 3

St. John Bosco at South Torrance

Beckman at Los Alamitos

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Division 4

Culver City at Camarillo

St. Francis at Ontario Christian

Division 5

Oxnard Pacifica at Santa Monica

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Chino Hills at Chino

Division 6

Diamond Bar at Village Christian

Colony at Rancho Mirage

Division 7

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South El Monte at Buena Park

Oxford Academy at Lancaster Desert Christian

Division 8

San Bernardino at Orange County Pacifica Christian

Azusa at Edgewood

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SOFTBALL

Saturday’s Results

Semifinals

Division 1

Orange Lutheran 13, Murrieta Mesa 1

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Garden Grove Pacifica 1, JSerra 0

Division 2

Gahr 7, Mater Dei 2

California 8, Valley View 7

Division 3

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Etiwanda 5, West Torrance 1

King 14, Agoura 6

Division 4

JW North 11, Chaminade 5

Paraclete 2, Orange Vista 0

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Division 5

Liberty 5, Quartz Hill 0

Cerritos Valley Christian 21, St. Bonaventure 13

Division 6

Ganesha 12, Lakewood St. Joseph 4

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Viewpoint 2, Canyon Springs 0

Division 7

Oxford Academy 5, Riverside Prep 2

Eastside 8, Muir 6

Division 8

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Hesperia Christian 7, Temecula Prep 0

Jurupa Valley 10, Excelsior Charter 2

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Giants legends Lawrence Taylor, Ottis Anderson speak at Donald Trump's Jersey Shore campaign rally

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Giants legends Lawrence Taylor, Ottis Anderson speak at Donald Trump's Jersey Shore campaign rally

Nearly 40,000 people were in Wildwood, N.J., Saturday for a Donald Trump campaign rally, and one of those spectators was arguably the greatest defensive player of all time.

New York Giants legend Lawrence Taylor was spotted at the Jersey Shore rally.

Assemblyman Paul Kanitra from New Jersey’s 10th legislative district saw his “favorite player growing up” at the rally.

Former NFL player Lawrence Taylor arrives for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Wildwood Beach May 11, 2024, in Wildwood, New Jersey. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

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Those in attendance got a surprise when Taylor and former Giants teammate Ottis Anderson spoke on stage.

“I grew up a Democrat, and I’ve always been a Democrat, until I met this man right here,” Taylor said to cheers. “Nobody in my family ever will vote for a Democrat again.”

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L.T. is widely regarded as the greatest linebacker to ever play. He was a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, including in his rookie season.

He won two Super Bowls, made 10 straight Pro Bowls and was named the MVP of the 1986 season. He also remains the franchise’s all-time sacks leader, which includes his 9½ sacks from his rookie season, before sacks became a stat.

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Lawrence Taylor sack

Former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (56) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Craig Erickson during a Sept. 12, 1993, game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Mark D. Phillips/AFP via Getty Images)

This came despite a lavish lifestyle off the field, which resulted in legal troubles after his playing days.

Many attendees who spoke to Fox News said they believe Trump could flip the Garden State in November, when he hopes to take back the White House for a second term. 

Rod Delaine, an Amazon factory worker in Staten Island who lives in New Jersey, told Fox News Digital he drove nearly 2½ hours to attend the rally. 

LIONS ROOKIE SAYS HE CHOSE NO. 0 BECAUSE ‘AIN’T NOBODY LIKE ME’

A New Jersey schoolteacher who identified herself as Anna said she was motivated to attend because of the state of the economy. 

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Another supporter, who identified himself as Carlos, said he believed the country needed to return to the way things were under the former president. 

trump

Former President Trump, the 2024 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a campaign rally in Wildwood Beach May 11, 2024, in Wildwood, N.J. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

“I think this country needs to change. Although, we already know what Trump’s all about. So, that change is just going to come right back to us because that’s what we need,” Carlos said. “We need Trump because I don’t think Biden is just getting the job done right now. Some of it’s his fault. Some of it is probably the people around him. But I think we need Trump back to get this country back to where it needs to be.”

Fox News’ Bradford Betz and Emma Colton contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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