No indictment for Texans QB Watson over sex assault claims

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.

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.

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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.

“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 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.

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

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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.

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 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.

“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.