Last year some two dozen women have filed accusations against quarterback Deshaun Watson for sexual misconduct – a charge Watson vehemently denies.
The Cleveland Browns quarterback has now settled 20 of the 24 civil lawsuits that have been filed against him. Citing “privacy”, attorney Tony Buzbee would not reveal any of the details of the settlements. Once the paperwork has been concluded, those cases will be dismissed; however, Buzbee plans to take the remaining four cases to trial.
While a member of the Houston Texans, massage therapists accused Watson of “harassing, assaulting or touching them during appointments.”
While the cases involving the women has been concluded, Watson still faces disciplinary action from the NFL; which is expected to announce their decision before Browns’ camp opens on July 27.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said that the settlements, “have no impact on the collectively bargained disciplinary process.”
Speaking anonymously, an NFL official added, “settling doesn’t give someone a pass”. He indicated that a lengthy suspension may be in Watson’s future.
While Buzbee declined to allow all of the women to speak with the NFL, officials did interview eleven of them in Houston last month as a part of their investigation.
The NFL will present their findings to former federal judge Sue L. Robinson who will pass down any punishment on Watson. This will be Robinson’s first case since she was appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association.
The Cleveland Browns had no comment on the case but have signed Watson to a guaranteed five year contract worth 230 million.
In March two separate grand juries in Texas refused to send down an indictment of Watson; at which time, the Browns; as well as, several other NFL teams pursued Watson.
feature photo credit: Deshaun Watson (45221654434).jpg