HOUSTON — A grand jury has refused to indict Houston Texan quarterback Deshaun Watson, following a police investigation into lawsuits introduced by 22 girls who accused him of sexual harassment and assault throughout massages.
Friday’s announcement got here practically a 12 months after the primary civil lawsuit was filed towards Watson.
A Harris County grand jury returned 9 payments that had not introduced in 9 legal complaints. Because of this, legal proceedings in Harris County have ended, in line with Legal professional Common Jonah Stallings.
“Right now we have now submitted 9 legal complaints for consideration by the grand jury. Starting at 9 a.m., we have now supplied proof for over six hours for consideration by the grand jury, in addition to offering witnesses for these individuals to testify earlier than them from the grand jury, ‘” mentioned Stallings, chief of the grownup intercourse crimes and trafficking division within the Harris County District Legal professional’s Workplace. “The grand jury thought of all of this proof and reinstated 9 payments towards Deshaun Watson relating to those 9 legal complaints. We respect the grand jury’s choice and…we’re ending legal proceedings in Harris County.”
Eight of the ladies who sued Watson filed legal complaints towards him with Houston police and appeared earlier than a grand jury. Two different girls, who had not sued Watson, additionally filed police complaints. The FBI was additionally reviewing the allegations.
The grand jury course of doesn’t require a unanimous vote.
Watson additionally sat down for his first deposit on Friday in his lawyer’s workplace. Hardin advised ESPN that he’ll direct Watson to say his Fifth Modification proper to not incriminate himself throughout his testimony till the conclusion of the legal investigation.
Final month, a decide dominated that Watson will be impeached in 9 of these civil instances after Hardin, and mentioned delaying these statements would allow Watson’s authorized group to safe statements with all 22 girls suing Watson and likewise enable Watson to have the protections of understanding whether or not he additionally faces legal prices. Watson’s submitting was initially scheduled to start on February 22.
Though Watson has not performed for the Texans for the reason that first lawsuit was filed on March 16, 2020, he was on the lively roster throughout the 2023 season and was a wholesome scratcher for all 17 video games. He earned his base wage of $10.54 million. Final 12 months, Harden mentioned he didn’t count on Watson to talk with the NFL’s investigative group till the legal investigation was over.
In January 2023, Watson requested Texans to commerce him as a result of he wasn’t proud of the long run course of the franchise. Whereas members of the Texas group declined to remark particularly on Watson’s authorized standing, Common Supervisor Nick Caserio mentioned earlier this month that the group was “dealing day in and day trip with Watson’s state of affairs.” Head coach Luffy Smith mentioned final week that the Texans are hoping for a “fast repair” for Watson’s future with the group.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
