What do Friday’s grand jury proceedings imply for Deachan Watson, Houston TX?

HOUSTON — With the information that the grand jury will hear proof Friday within the case involving Deshaun Watson, there are questions on whether or not the Houston Texans — in addition to different NFL groups — could have extra readability in regards to the quarterback’s authorized standing.

Whereas the choice on the felony fees could come as early as Friday, grand jury deliberations might start subsequent week.

Watson’s legal professional, Rusty Harden, informed ESPN in July that 10 girls had filed complaints with Houston police about Watson. Eight of those girls additionally filed civil lawsuits in opposition to Watson with allegations starting from harassment and inappropriate habits to sexual assault throughout therapeutic massage classes.

In whole, Watson faces 22 civil lawsuits alleging inappropriate habits and sexual assault.

The grand jury course of doesn’t require a unanimous vote. Hardin informed ESPN on Tuesday that if 9 of the 12 jurors returned a “actual invoice” underneath Texas regulation, Harris County District Lawyer Kim Ogg might select to maneuver ahead with a felony case in opposition to Watson.

The vary of attainable felony fees Watson faces consists of indecent assault, assault and harassment – all misdemeanours. Indecent assault is assessed as a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by as much as one yr in jail and a fantastic of as much as $4,000. Watson may also be charged with sexual assault, a second-degree felony in Texas punishable by between two and 20 years in jail.

Whereas these grand jury actions don’t have anything to do with the result of civil circumstances, NFL groups serious about buying and selling with Watson, who didn’t play final season however was on the lively roster, must be clearer subsequent week about whether or not he’ll face Prison fees and the way it might have an effect on his future within the NFL. Nonetheless, except Watson and 22 plaintiffs settle the civil lawsuits, a pretrial convention on these lawsuits is scheduled for early Might, based on courtroom paperwork.

If there’s a felony investigation discovering (i.e. he has not been charged), this will likely provoke the NFL disciplinary course of. Hardin beforehand informed ESPN that he would not count on Watson to talk with league investigators till the felony investigation is over.

If Watson is indicted, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell might additionally select to place the quarterback on the commissioner’s checklist of exemptions, one thing he didn’t do final yr. Watson was a wholesome scratcher for all 17 video games whereas amassing a base wage of $10.5 million.

Though there isn’t any deadline for Texas to do that commerce, there are a couple of dates on the NFL calendar to bear in mind. Whereas contract negotiations for the free brokers start at midday ET on Monday, NFL offers can’t turn into official till 4pm ET on Wednesday, the beginning of the 2023 league yr. The NFL draft is April 28-30, which can also be a key date for any deal. Consists of draft selections.

Watson will even face questions underneath oath for the primary time in no less than some civil circumstances on Friday. Hardin informed ESPN that he’ll direct Watson to claim his Fifth Modification proper to not incriminate himself throughout his testimony Friday in civil circumstances as a result of the felony investigation shouldn’t be but over.

In his current public feedback about Watson, Texas State Director Common Nick Caserio stated that Texas was “working day in and time out when it comes to dealing” with Watson’s scenario. Final week, coach Luffy Smith stated the Texans are hoping for a “fast repair” for Watson’s future with the staff.