Deshaun Watson sued for sexual assault, denies allegations

The Bobster

Senior News Editor since 2004
https://nypost.com/2021/03/17/texans-nfl-star-deshaun-watson-sued-for-sexual-assault/

Deshaun Watson sued for sexual assault, denies allegations
By Mark Fischer
March 17, 2021 | 12:33am | Updated

Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson denied allegations of sexual assault outlined in a lawsuit filed Tuesday.

Tony Buzbee, the Houston-based attorney representing the alleged victim, told Fox 26 in Texas that Watson was getting a massage from the unidentified woman when the 25-year-old “went too far.”

Details surrounding the suit were scarce.

Watson rebutted the claim on Twitter after Buzbee made a social media post about the lawsuit.

“As a result of a social media post by a publicity-seeking plaintiff’s lawyer, I recently became aware of a lawsuit that has apparently been filed against me,” Watson wrote. “I have not yet seen the complaint, but I know this: I Have never treated any woman with anything than the utmost respect. The plaintiff’s lawyer claims that this isn’t about money, but before filing suit he made a baseless six-figure settlement demand, which I quickly rejected.”

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Deshaun Watson
AP


Watson added that he looked forward to clearing his name. :rolleyes:

In a lengthy Instagram post, Buzbee said he was “extremely proud to represent those who have no perceived power against those who have PERCEIVED power.”

“This case we just filed against Watson isn’t about money — it’s about dignity and stopping behavior that should be stopped, NOW!” Buzbee said.

Watson, a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback, has been at the center of trade talks this offseason after he requested to be moved. The former Clemson star reportedly became unhappy with the team’s process in hiring Nick Caserio as general manager in January.
 
https://nypost.com/2021/03/19/tony-buzbee-says-he-has-12-women-filing-deshaun-watson-suits/

Deshaun Watson now facing sexual assault allegations from 12 women
By Ryan Dunleavy
March 19, 2021 | 4:04pm | Updated

A lawyer representing at least 12 women filing civil assault lawsuits against Deshaun Watson painted the Houston Texans quarterback as a serial harasser whose behavior escalated to forced oral sex.

Tony Buzbee said during a news conference Friday that seven lawsuits have been filed and five more are coming – several of the 12 Jane Does were hired to massage Watson – and 10 other women have contacted his office with similar stories not yet vetted. The most recent allegation happened earlier this month, after Buzbee first contacted Watson’s representation to notify of the behavior, he said.

“This case isn’t about money,” said Buzbee, a high-profile Texas attorney. “We have pleaded the jurisdictional minimum … [of] $500. It’s certainly not about seeking publicity or fame. I personally don’t need it, and these women don’t want it. This case is about female empowerment and taking the power back.”

Buzbee “stopped counting at 10 death threats” against him, his children and his colleagues from social-media commenters. Watson hired his own high-profile attorney in Rusty Hardin, who got Roger Clemens acquitted in 2012 after the pitcher was accused of lying to Congress when he denied using performance-enhancing drugs.

“They bring these cases for one reason only: Stopping further misconduct from this defendant and any others like him,” Buzbee said. “We won’t be deterred.”

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Deshaun Watson
Getty Images


Watson, 25, is a Pro Bowl quarterback who requested a trade from the Texans earlier this month. The Texans held on to Watson and now the unsettled allegations cloud the market of any potential interested suitors such as the Jets and Dolphins.

Because Buzbee lives on the same street as Texans owner Cal McNair, conspiracy theorists have suggested this could be a revenge tactic to disgrace Watson’s reputation. :rolleyes:

“I need to dispel some silly rumors,” Buzbee said. “I live near the McNair family. I don’t know the McNair family. I wouldn’t recognize Cal or Hal if I saw him on the street. This case has nothing to do with the Texans, nothing to do with free agency. The timing, I don’t know anything about that silliness and I frankly don’t care about it. This case is about brave women who are willing to step forward knowing they will be criticized and ostracized.”

Buzbee said he has had “no contact with the Texans” and only received a letter from the NFL seeking compliance as the matter is under investigation within the league’s personal conduct policy. The plan is to package together the civil complaints and present them to the Houston Police Department, which already has been in touch.

Watson denied the initial allegation and ever mistreating women. His NFL agent, David Mulugheta, released a statement before Buzbee spoke Friday reminding that false allegations can be prosecuted, too.

“Sexual assault is real,” wrote Mulugheta, who represents dozens of high profile NFL clients. “Victims should be heard, offenders prosecuted. Individuals fabricate stories in pursuit of financial gain often. Their victims should be heard, and those offenders also prosecuted. I simply hope we keep this same energy with the truth.”

Texas law defines civil assault as intentionally or knowingly causing physical contact when the defendant knows or should know the plaintiff would regard such contact as offensive, according to Buzbee.

One of the lawsuits cited during the news conference claims Watson booked a session with a masseuse during which he “got completely naked, got an erection and asked her what she was going to do about that erection?” During another session, Watson allegedly tried to put his penis in the same woman’s hand and kiss her on the mouth.

The same suit claims the woman felt “scared and confused,” and “powerless and confused” and “feared what Watson would do to her career.” As a result, she suffers from panic attacks, depression and anxiety, is seeking counseling and has trouble sleeping.

A separate suit claims that Watson forced a licensed massage therapist to perform oral sex on him in December after contacting her on Instagram. He allegedly made it clear that he could “help or hurt” her career.

“Our thought was when we filed the first case, if it’s happened once, it’s probably happened more than once,” Buzbee said. “And we were right on that.”

Watson previously said he was given an opportunity to settle these allegations before the civil suits were filed in open court. It was framed as a shakedown attempt. Not so, says Buzbee.

“We wanted to resolve this matter without a lawsuit,” Buzbee said. “What we received in cooperation with Mr. Watson’s [representation] was dismissive behavior.”
 
https://nypost.com/2021/03/20/deshaun-watsons-defense-against-sexual-assault-lawsuits/

Deshaun Watson’s defense against sexual assault lawsuits begins to surface
By Peter Botte
March 20, 2021 | 12:43pm | Updated

Deshaun Watson’s lawyer said Friday he will publicly address the allegations of sexual assault levied against the Houston Texans’ quarterback in the coming days, but portions of their defense strategy against multiple civil lawsuits are beginning to emerge.

Watson is “adamant” he didn’t sexually assault any of the various women who have filed civil lawsuits against him in Harris County, Texas, TMZ reported Saturday, citing multiple sources connected to the quarterback.

On Friday, the number of sexual assault claims filed against Watson increased to seven, with five more pending, according to the victims’ lawyer Tony Buzbee, who added he has spoken to 10 additional women who still need to be vetted.

According to Buzbee, the three-time Pro Bowler assaulted the massage therapists, with one alleging she was forced to perform oral sex on Watson.

Another alleged that “it became apparent that Watson wanted a massage for only one reason — sex,” adding that he acted in an “aggressive” manner and touched her with his genitalia.

The majority of the women who already have filed suits have claimed Watson initially contacted them through Instagram. Watson’s side told TMZ that he only contacted the women via social media because his regular masseuse was unavailable due to the COVID pandemic.

Watson asked various acquaintances for recommendations, and the sources added that Watson “put an emphasis on privacy” and specified the areas he wanted massaged “to make sure the masseuse was comfortable and to ensure things stayed professional,” TMZ reported.

At least one masseuse said in her complaint that she found it “somewhat peculiar” that a “NFL player would seek a massage from her, because she is not a yet a well-known masseuse.”

Sources close to Watson also told the website that the 25-year-old “insists he never crossed the line” with the alleged victims, and he “strongly believes they’re being led by a money-hungry attorney who’s looking for a payout.”

That was in line with what Watson said Tuesday on Twitter, when he wrote that he “never treated any woman with anything other than the utmost respect” in his first and only public comments regarding the allegations.

Watson, who inked a four-year extension worth $156 million in 2020, isn’t looking to reach monetary settlements with the women, the TMZ report stated, and “he doesn’t want to give them a cent because he’s adamant he didn’t do anything wrong.”

Watson’s lawyer Rusty Hardin said Friday in a press conference that the various allegations are “meritless” and asked people to “keep an open mind” until they have an opportunity to publicly address them next week.

The NFL on Thursday said it was investigating the allegations involving Watson.
 
https://nypost.com/2021/05/15/deshaun-watson-sexual-assault-case-takes-settlement-twist/

Deshaun Watson sexual assault case takes ‘settlement’ twist
By Ryan Dunleavy
May 15, 2021 | 1:10pm | Updated

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Deshaun Watson
Getty Images


It appears the legal team representing 22 women alleging sexual misconduct by Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is more willing to discuss a settlement than originally thought.

Text messages and a recording show that a member of attorney Tony Buzbee’s team representing the women approached Watson’s defense to discuss “working things out” between the parties, according to ESPN.

The report came after Buzbee refuted a claim from Watson defense attorney Rusty Hardin, who said Buzzbee had inquired about a settlement.

“Contrary to what Mr. Rusty says, we haven’t approached them to settle, ever,” Buzbee said on Instagram.

Buzbee told ESPN he is “the only one at this firm who has the authority to discuss settlement.”

The two attorneys have gone back and forth over social media since the accusations began in March.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said two weeks ago during the draft that the league was closely following developments in the case against Watson as well as conducting its own investigation under the personal conduct policy.

Buzbee previously said four of Watson’s accusers have met with the league. Watson has not met with the league on the matter, a source told ESPN.
 
https://nypost.com/2021/07/26/new-women-among-police-complaints-against-deshaun-watson/

Deshaun Watson facing police complaints from two new women among 10 filed
By Matt Craig
July 26, 2021 | 8:16pm | Updated

A total of 10 women have now filed official complaints with the Houston police department against Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, told ESPN on Monday that two of the women who filed police complaints are not among the 22 women who have brought civil lawsuits against his client for allegedly sexually assaulting or engaging in sexually inappropriate behavior during massage sessions.

“There are a couple of women who we don’t know anything about,” Hardin told ESPN.

Depositions for the civil suits will begin in September, and Watson will not be deposed until February of next year, under an agreement between the two legal teams.

“As of today, almost half of these women have given sworn statements to the police, and almost half have spoken to the NFL’s investigative team. Both processes are very lengthy. We expect to provide further information to the NFL from all victims,” said Tony Buzbee, who represents the 22 women suing Watson.

NFL investigators have not yet interviewed Watson, which Hardin said is typical in ongoing criminal matters. Hardin said Watson and his legal team have fully cooperated with both Houston police and the Harris County District Attorney’s office, and intend to cooperate with the subsequent NFL investigation.

Hardin also said he intends to advise Watson not to sign any potential settlement that includes a confidentiality agreement.

“I do not want anybody to be saying that this guy paid off women to stay quiet and so, if there ever was a settlement of any kind, it would have to be public and therefore both sides, [Watson] and the women, would be able to say to the world at large whatever they wanted,” he told ESPN.

NFL Network insider Ian Rapaport reported Monday that the Texans have begun fielding trade offers for their franchise quarterback, who according to other reports showed up to training camp solely to avoid a $50,000 fine.

Watson requested a trade earlier this year, and would have to waive his no-trade clause in any potential deal.

Trade rumors began swirling around Watson months before his legal troubles emerged, and Hardin reiterated Monday that they continue despite looming litigation.

“Teams are ready to jump now if the Texans would trade with them, even while all this is pending,” Hardin said. “There’s no question that teams, numerous teams, are still interested. The ball is in the Texans’ court.”
 


Deshaun Watson traded to Browns in massive NFL surprise​



By
Jon Helmkamp


March 18, 2022 3:55pm
Updated










Deshaun Watson is heading to the Browns.
The QB reportedly waived his no-trade clause Friday, allowing him to be traded to Cleveland in a deal that also nets him a five-year, $230 million contract — fully guaranteed.
The trade is still being finalized, but the Texans’ haul will include three first-round picks, a third rounder, and a fifth-round pick, per ESPN.
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson runsDeshaun Watson’s tumultuous tenure with the Texans finally came to a close.
When Watson is able to suit up again next remains a question, as the NFL’s personal conduct investigation into the 26-year-old is reportedly ongoing.
Watson’s new contract will pay him $184 million over the first four years of the deal — a $12 million per season increase on the four-year, $160 million extension he signed with the Texans in 2020 — which had yet to begin.
Watson interviewed with the Cleveland Browns this week, with initial reports saying the team had passed. His meeting with the team only fueled further speculation the team was done with former No. 1 draft pick Baker Mayfield under center.
deshaun watson cleveland browns instagram postDeshaun Watson celebrated his move to Cleveland with an Instagram post.@deshaunwatson
This week, Mayfield requested a trade out of Cleveland, which the team was not initally planning to grant — though the Browns’ acquisition of Watson makes Mayfield’s move out of town all but official.
The former Texans quarterback hasn’t been on the field since the 2020 season as he’s been at the center of a legal battle surrounding 22 civil suits accusing him of sexual misconduct. He received some clarity to his legal situation last week when a Harris County, Texas grand jury did not find enough evidence to charge him on nine criminal counts.
News of the grand jury’s decision caused Watson’s trade market to rekindle.



Trade speculation has been surrounding Watson since early last offseason, when he demanded a trade from the organization. He was long linked to the Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins, with the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints emerging as suitors in recent weeks.


When he’s on the field, Watson is one of the most electric quarterbacks in the league. From 2018-2020, Watson averaged 4,280 passing yards, 28.3 touchdowns, and 9.3 interceptions per season, including a league-leading 4,823 passing yards and 33 touchdowns in 2020.
 

Last Deshaun Watson accuser explains why she won’t settle with quarterback​



By
Ryan Dunleavy

The lone remaining plaintiff with a civil suit alleging harassment and indecent sexual assault against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson says she has not accepted any settlement offers, “in part because they have not included any sincere acknowledgment of remorse and wrongdoings, nor have they included any promises of rehabilitative treatment.”


In a first-person story written for The Daily Beast, Lauren Baxley identifies herself as a former massage therapist and the other party in the last unsettled suit of the 24 that Watson faced.


The NFL, the Players Association and Watson reached a settlement Thursday that Watson will be suspended for the first 11 games of the regular season and fined $5 million. A Texas grand jury did not indict on criminal charges earlier this year.


Watson has apologized for the pain caused and those “triggered” by the situation, but has maintained his innocence throughout.

Baxley wrote that she was “forced into quitting for the sake of my health” and safety in June 2020.


Describing herself as “just one of dozens of women whose lives have been eternally harmed by his sexual violence,” Baxley pleaded for the Browns to do more.


“I sincerely, with humility in my relative anonymity, ask that those in power over Deshaun Watson make swift and stringent decisions to prevent further acts of harm against women,” she wrote. “Please remember the women who have decided they could no longer fight this legal battle after multiple courts, and multiple fandoms, told them their lives didn’t matter.”
 
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