Second jury considers one other cost for Watson

A second grand jury in Texas is analyzing proof associated to a different sexual misconduct accusation towards Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, and ESPN confirmed with Tony Busby, the complainant’s lawyer.

The grand jury is in Brazoria County, south of Houston.

Al Brown declined to remark, however a spokesperson for the crew informed ESPN that the crew was conscious of the opportunity of a second grand jury and was informed to listen to proof.

The Browns acquired Watson of the Houston Texans final week for 3 first-round picks and three different picks. The Browns additionally awarded Watson a brand new five-year assured $230 million contract, essentially the most assured quantity on a single contract in NFL historical past at $80 million.

In feedback introduced by the commerce on Sunday, Brown described their analysis and investigation into Watson, together with allegations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct towards him, as “intensive.”

“We totally perceive and sympathize with the very private emotions expressed about this resolution,” Jamie and de Haslam Malka Brown mentioned within the assertion. “Our crew’s total evaluation course of was of the utmost significance because of the delicate nature of their scenario and the complicated components concerned. We additionally perceive that there are nonetheless some authorized processes happening and we are going to respect due course of.”

Brown has but to supply particulars of their investigation. Additionally they didn’t communicate to any of the 22 ladies who’ve filed lawsuits towards Watson accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, in accordance with their attorneys.

“[The Browns] They did not name me, and once more, I wasn’t anticipating them to, however I’d have taken their name, and if they’d particular questions I might divulge to him, I definitely would,” Buzbee informed ESPN. I’d have made them out there identical to I did with the NFL, in the event that they wished to. Ultimately [would’ve been] Even ladies, however [no team] did that “.

Cleveland’s announcement of the commerce got here simply 9 days after a grand jury in Harris County, the place Houston is positioned, refused to convey legal costs towards Watson after a police investigation sparked by lawsuits. The allegations within the lawsuits ranged from touching the ladies along with his genitals to pressured oral intercourse. Eight of the ladies who sued Watson filed legal complaints towards him with Houston police and have been as a result of seem earlier than a grand jury.

Two ladies who didn’t sue Watson additionally filed police complaints.

Watson’s lawyer, Rusty Harden, mentioned March 11, after the Harris County grand jury’s resolution, that “the legal investigations are full.”

Harden didn’t reply to a request for remark Thursday.

The NFL can droop Watson for a minimum of six video games by way of its Code of Conduct coverage for sexual assault violations. The League beforehand confirmed in a press release that any deal for Watson would have “no impact on the NFL’s ongoing and complete investigation into severe allegations towards Watson. If the league’s investigation determines that Watson has violated the Private Conduct Coverage, self-discipline could also be imposed in accordance with the coverage.” .

A league supply informed ESPN, nonetheless, that as a part of Watson’s new deal, he would obtain almost $1 million from his 2023 base wage. Which means if he’s suspended by the NFL for violating the Code of Conduct concerning sexual assault coverage He’ll lose lower than $60,000 for each sport he loses.

Buzbee mentioned he has 17 extra testimony about Watson that is still to be taken, as a part of 22 lawsuits which have been introduced towards him alleging sexual assault and indecent conduct. Buzbee added that there are 4 different ladies who haven’t but filed a lawsuit however are anticipated to take action.

“When it comes to the extra lawsuits, I have been approached by different ladies, and I am deciding whether or not to take their case or if anybody else would wish to sue Deshaun Watson,” Busby mentioned.

The lawyer additionally mentioned he expects there will likely be “different ladies submitting legal costs”.

Watson was in Cleveland on Thursday for my physique.

ESPN’s John Barr contributed to this report.