Ashley Solis, who filed the first suit against Watson, read a prepared statement while seated next to Buzbee. Watson was cleared by a grand jury of criminal charges related to the sexual misconduct allegations against him in Harris County. That said, Mitchell gets hurt. He argued making the womens names public will expose them to online harassment and could result in others with similar names being harassed as well. At least 10 women have filed criminal complaints against Watson with Houston Police Department, including two who are not suing him in civil court. [122] His season was, by all major statistical measures, the best in franchise history, leading in passing touchdowns, passing yards and passer rating. [146] 18 professional massage therapists have since expressed support of his character, saying that the allegations contradict their experiences with Watson. Watson has not been on the field for practices with the team this week. The suit also alleges Watson groped the woman, touched her hand with his erect penis and told her he would not pay her unless she signed a non-disclosure agreement at the end of the session. [129][130] As part of the trade, Watson signed a new, fully guaranteed, five-year, $230 million deal with the Browns, making it the largest contract and most guaranteed money in NFL history. We will be given the opportunity to tell our side, and we will get an even-handed hearing.. His five total scores tied the NFL rookie touchdown record. [172] In 2017, Watson donated his first NFL game check of approximately $27,000 to three NRG Stadium cafeteria employees affected by Hurricane Harvey. [45] For the second consecutive year, Watson was named one of the five Heisman Trophy candidates, along with Michigan's Jabrill Peppers, Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield and Dede Westbrook and Louisville's Lamar Jackson. Plaintiffs filed these lawsuits anonymously using pseudonyms as is their right. Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson heads for the locker room after working out during training camp on Friday, July 29, 2022, in Berea. If the plaintiff fails to do so, the motion requests the court dismiss all claims. Buzbee also files four additional lawsuits this day, bringing the total to seven. The last time Deshaun Watson played football was 700 days ago. game. Watson still faces 22 active civil suits accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, but the grand jurys decision not to prosecute eliminated one barrier for the teams considering a deal for Watson. Despite the off-field controversies and Watson's situation with the team, he participated in OTA activities and training camp, albeit on a limited basis. We're working for something today, and there is meaning to that. March 21, 2022: The Houston Texans traded QB Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns. That Watson is allowed to take the field this season is frankly horrifying and an affront to Browns fans with a moral compass Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson speaks to the media. Watsons answer to Ms. Does lawsuit is due on April 19, 2021, Hardin writes in the motion. After the Panthers benched Sam Darnold early in the fourth quarter of a 25-3 loss to the Giants, sources say they expect the Panthers to be involved in the Watson conversation leading to the trade deadline, which is Nov. 2. Well, Im glad to hear they are. [144], On March 22, 2021, a 14th lawsuit was filed by a woman who called Watson a "serial predator". But the response does not name anyone other than Watson and the plaintiffs. Police in North Olmstead, Ohio, a suburb of . [147], Tony Buzbee has stated that he was hesitant to send evidence to the Houston Police Department because Watson's lawyer Rusty Hardin has a son in the police force, instead alleging to send evidence from his clients "elsewhere" while also criticizing outgoing HPD chief Art Acevedo. We take accusations of this nature very seriously.. NFL By DJ Byrnes on January 16, 2023. 1 high school recruit headed to Clemson", "Clemson's quarterback of the future: DeShaun Watson", "Football Player of the Year: Gainesville's Deshaun Watson", "Gainesville falls to Tucker, 20-14, ending repeat title bid", "Clemson Tigers Deshaun Watson proves a quick study ACC Blog- ESPN", "Deshaun Watson to make first start for Clemson", "It's his time: Deshaun Watson to make his first career start Saturday vs. UNC", "Clemson freshman QB Deshaun Watson throws six TDs in win over UNC", "Louisville at Clemson Box Score, October 11, 2014", "Report: Clemson QB Deshaun Watson (hand) likely out five weeks", "Clemson Tigers QB Deshaun Watson avoids ACL injury, could play versus South Carolina", "South Carolina at Clemson Box Score, November 29, 2014", "Swinney: Deshaun Watson played on torn ACL", "Poverty, major injury couldn't stop Clemson's Deshaun Watson", "North Carolina vs Clemson Box Score, December 5, 2015", "Orange Bowl Oklahoma vs Clemson Box Score, December 31, 2015", "Clemson QB Deshaun Watson named Orange Bowl offensive MVP in victory", "College Football Championship Alabama vs Clemson Box Score, January 11, 2016", "Clemson QB Watson becomes first 4,000/1,000 player in FBS history", "Clemson QB Deshaun Watson wins Davey O'Brien Award", "Clemson QB Deshaun Watson voted ACC player of year by ACSMA", "Clemson QB Deshaun Watson voted ACC offensive player of year", "Clemson at Auburn Box Score, September 3, 2016", "Louisville at Clemson Box Score, October 1, 2016", "Clemson's Deshaun Watson suffers shoulder injury vs. Syracuse", "Syracuse at Clemson Box Score, November 5, 2016", "South Carolina at Clemson Box Score, November 26, 2016", "Clemson's Deshaun Watson becomes first repeat winner of Manning Award", "Lamar Jackson won a two-horse Heisman race with Deshaun Watson", "Fiesta Bowl Ohio State vs Clemson Box Score, December 31, 2016", "College Football Championship Clemson vs Alabama Box Score, January 9, 2017", "Clemson vs. Alabama Box Score January 9, 2017 ESPN", "Deshaun Watson among four Clemson juniors to declare for NFL draft", "Deshaun Watson leads 22 prospects attending 2017 NFL Draft", "How Deshaun Watson is starting new trend in race to the NFL", "2017 NFL draft rankings: Top prospects by position", "Top 32 Prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft", "Ranking the 2017 NFL draft's Top 100 Players", "Ranking the NFL draft prospects: Quarterbacks", "Deshaun Watson Draft and Combine Prospect Profile", "Deshaun Watson, Clemson, QB, 2017 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football", "Trade! [85] Watson led the league in average time spent in the pocket and was second in average time before throwing. Deshaun Watson last stepped onto an NFL field in the Texans' season finale of the 2020-21 season versus the Tennessee Titans. In her ruling, Judge Davis said the case has already taken on a high profile and that not revealing the names of the plaintiff wont stop the public from speculating. Browns K Cade York named to All-Rookie Team (Thomas Moore) Despite some struggles, York nabs a spot on The Athletic's All-Rookie team. The Texans finally dealt Watson to the Browns on March 18, with a personal conduct policy suspension looming from the NFL. [116] With his Week 12 performance, Watson briefly became the NFL's all-time regular-season career passer-rating leader before being surpassed five days later by Patrick Mahomes. According to the report, Watson asked several of the therapists to sign an N.D.A. The Browns announced Wednesday that Watson will start Fridays preseason opener against the Jaguars, along with most of the teams starters. NFL interviews 10 plaintiffs accusing Watson of sexual assault, The NFL has increased Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watsons suspension to 11 games, filed a lawsuit against the Houston Texans alleging negligence from the team, Settlements have been reached in 20 of 24 civil lawsuits, Speaking to reporters for the first time since March 26, 66 massage therapists during a 17-month period, according to a report from the New York Times, Watson is the subject of a 24th active civil lawsuit, Watson is the subject of a 23rd active civil suit accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, is meeting to decide if charges will be filed against Watson, 22 active civil suits accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, Watson was cleared by a grand jury of criminal charges related to the sexual misconduct allegations, said at the NFL owners meetings on Tuesday, Panthers are expected to be involved in trade talks as well, expected to be involved in trade talks for Watson, The Texans continue to engage in trade conversations regarding Watson, who is facing 22 civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct and sexual assault, 10 of them had met with NFL investigators, Hardins office released statements from 18 massage therapists, Unlike a formal law enforcement investigation, Friel and her team do not have subpoena power. [81] After suffering broken ribs and a partially collapsed lung, Watson took a 12-hour bus ride from Houston to Jacksonville for a Week 7 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars rather than flying because of fears about the effects of air pressure on his chest. (Week 8, 2017), First player in NFL history with multiple 5 passing touchdown games within his first 2 seasons: 2, First player in NFL history to have 4,000+ passing yards, 25+ passing touchdowns, 500+ rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns in a single season, Fastest player in NFL history to have 6,500+ passing yards and 500+ rushing yards (26 games), Fastest player in NFL history to have 50 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns (27 games), First quarterback with back-to-back games with at least 375 passing yards and 35 rushing yards, Most passing touchdowns by a rookie in a 7-game span in NFL history: 19, Most passing touchdowns by a rookie in a 5-game span in NFL history: 18, Longest streak of games with 3 or more passing touchdowns by a rookie in NFL history: 4, Most games with at least 375 passing yards and 40 rushing yards in NFL history: 3 (tied with, Most passing touchdowns for a quarterback through his first six career games: 15, First rookie with two games of 300+ passing yards and 40+ rushing yards in a season, First rookie to produce 5+ touchdowns in consecutive games, Most completions with a perfect passer rating: 28, Most attempts with a perfect passer rating: 33 (tied with. A second grand jury declined to file charges againstWatson, the Brazoria County district attorneys office confirmed. Watson hasnt played for the Texans at all in 2021 amid investigations by the FBI, Houston police and the NFL regarding Watson, who faces 22 civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct and sexual assault. Before that, he worked for The Kansas City Star, where he covered Mizzou sports after graduating from the University of Missouri. [83] The next week, Watson tied his career high with five touchdowns in a 4223 victory over the Miami Dolphins. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league is still determining whether or not Deshaun Watson should go on the commissioners exempt list, adding the league is adamant about not interfering with investigations into allegations that Watson committed sexual misconduct and sexual assault. [34], For his accomplishments during the 2015 season, Watson was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, the first time that a Clemson player had been invited to the Heisman Trophy presentation. [159], As a result of these accusations, the NFL announced on August 18, 2022, that Watson will be suspended for 11 games, pay a record $5 million fine, undergo evaluation by behavioral experts, and complete a treatment program. Roger Goodell. Most passing touchdowns in a season by a rookie: 19, Most consecutive games with a touchdown pass: 20, Most passing yards in a game by a rookie: 402 (October 19, 2017, vs, First rookie quarterback with 3+ touchdown passes in a game, First rookie quarterback to throw for 300+ yards, First quarterback to score touchdowns (one passing, one rushing) in his first two games, First quarterback to record 300+ passing yards and 40+ rushing yards in a single game (Week 3, 2017), Most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback: 17, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 16 January 2023, at 03:47. How many wins did Watson have the last time he played over a year ago? The following 18 women are voluntarily issuing statements in support of Deshaun with their names attached, Hardin said in a news release, adding that the women have collectively worked with Deshaun more than 130 times over the past five years., In one of three suits filed against Watson on March 29, bringing the total to 19, the complaint says Watson is deleting Instagram messages, and contacting those who formally provided him massages, in an attempt to settle., Like a lot of people, Deshaun regularly deletes past Instagram messages, Hardin said. Miami wanted Watsons legal situation to be resolved to finalize a trade, according to sources. Houston believed that Watson was on course to lead the franchise to the next level and even signed their former 2017 first-round pick to a four-year, $177.5 million contract extension with $111 . Deshaun Watson 's out of the NFL playoffs, but don't feel too bad for the guy . [44], In the fall of 2016, Watson became the first player since Jason White in 20032004 to win the Davey O'Brien Award in consecutive years. [133] Two days later the NFL filed an appeal of the suspension, seeking to extend the suspension to at least a full season (17 regular season games), as well as seeking a fine and establishing a clause in which Watson would seek treatment for his conduct. In a statement, Hardin alleged Buzbee was impeding efforts to investigate the accusations by not releasing names of accusers to Watsons legal team, which at this point was defending the quarterback against 16 civil lawsuits. We dont have all the access to that information at this point in time, and we pride ourselves on not interfering in that, being as cooperative as we can to make sure we get all the facts. He made his regular season debut for the Browns in Week 13 against the Texans, his former team. When asked Wednesday if he expects. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. [93][94] Two weeks later against the Atlanta Falcons, Watson threw for 426 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions for a perfect passer rating in a 5332 victory, earning him his second AFC Offensive Player of the Week award. Watson is the subject of a 24th active civil lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, according to Harris County court records. In the 4234 loss, Watson finished 16-of-31 for 261 yards and five touchdown passes, tying an NFL rookie record for touchdown passes thrown in a single game. The proposal was handed down by the NFL and NFL Players Associations appointed disciplinary officer, Sue L. Robinson, after weeks of deliberation following a hearing with Watson in July. However, the seriousness of those discussions ranging from a casual conversation to actual trade negotiations hadnt been disclosed. [114][115] In Week 12, a 4125 win over the Detroit Lions, Watson went 17-of-25 for 318 yards and four passing touchdowns. Follow Aaron on Twitter @aaronjreiss. I never assaulted, disrespected or harassed anyone, Watson said. The NFL has interviewed 10 of the plaintiffs accusing Watson of sexual assault and sexual misconduct as part of its investigation into the matter, Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing 22 of the clients that have filed civil suits against Watson, confirmed. Watson did play in a game for the first time in 19 months last week when he got the start for Cleveland in the team's preseason opener against the Jaguars. Mr. [76][77] On November 8, Watson underwent successful surgery on his right knee to repair his ACL, and no further damage was reported. On Sunday, he suited up, only to face off against his former team, the 1-10-1 Houston Texans Watson looked awful even in a win over his former squad amid legal trouble. During his high-school career, Watson had worn #4, but at Clemson, that number had been retired after quarterback Steve Fuller graduated. Due to plaintiffs counsels repeated refusals to identify for Mr. Watsons counsel the real name of Ms. Doe, Mr. Watsons counsel cannot fully evaluate or plead his defenses to her claims.. We will continue to closely monitor the situation, Nike said in a statement. [66] Watson made his first regular-season appearance on September 10, 2017, against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The content may be difficult to read and emotionally upsetting. During both hearings and in his responsive filings, Buzbee suggested his clients could enter into a confidentiality or protective order rather than replead with her name attached to their complaints. This marked the second-most lucrative contract in NFL history after that of Aaron Rodgers. According to court records, the first lawsuit was filed this day. [101] Watson helped lead the Texans to a 106 record and an AFC South title. [87], In Watson's first postseason appearance, the Texans hosted the Indianapolis Colts in the Wild Card round. Police did not detail the nature of the report or the investigation. He played college football at Clemson, where he led the team to a national championship in 2016. at his position. That is, barring a ruling on the NFLs appeal before then. 24: 33: 72.7: 324: 9.8: 3: . On Oct. 1, 2016, Watson and the No. Jacoby Brissett has filled in for Cleveland and played well during Watson's absence. In addition to the FBI, Hardin said hes had one meeting with the Harris County District Attorneys office regarding Watson. The NFL instead hit Watson with an 11-game suspension and $5 million fine, when most, after such a settlement with 23 women, would have forever lost their jobs, good riddance. He is fourth in career completion percentage (minimum 1,500 attempts) and is third in all-time career passer rating. After state district Judges Dedra Davis and Rabeea Sultan Collier ruled that 12 previously unidentified plaintiffs had to attach their names to their suits, 11 did so and one stopped pursuing her case. He does what we ask him to do, and hes here every day and hes doing fine.. PITTSBURGH The six-game trial run for Deshaun Watson as Browns quarterback came to an end in Sunday's 28-14 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers.Although "trial run" may not be accurate in the way to describe the last month-plus. . 2:18; Booger wouldn't be surprised if Browns win AFC North with Watson. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell spoke publicly for the first time about Deshaun Watsons sexual assault lawsuits during ESPNs pre-NFL Draft broadcast Thursday night. Watson said he doesnt believe the New York Times report that he used 66 massage therapists during a 17-month period was accurate. Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is once again cited in a police report, but this time as the victim. [57], The Houston Texans drafted Watson in the first round (12th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft. The NFL has increased Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watsons suspension to 11 games, with a $5 million fine and mandatory counseling. [106], On April 28, 2020, the Texans exercised the fifth-year option on Watson's contract. [9] Gainesville head coach Bruce Miller had planned to start a rising junior at quarterback to execute his spread offense, but Watson won the starting spot, becoming Miller's first-ever freshman starting quarterback. [33] He set the record for most total yards in national championship game history, with 478 yards (405 passing / 73 rushing) against the nation's best defense. The prosecutor has told us from the beginning that ultimately when the investigation is over, their findings will be presented to a grand jury, Hardin said. [110] In Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, Watson threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns as the Texans lost 2331. [74], On November 2, Watson tore his ACL on a non-contact play during practice, prematurely ending his rookie season. Watson was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week. The FBI would not confirm or deny the existence of any investigations involving Watson. [13][14], Watson received offers from numerous colleges before verbally committing to Clemson University on February 1, 2012. More importantly, Peoples-Jones has caught two of the five touchdown passes Watson has . That changed Sunday. Watson played better last week against the Bengals, but the Browns lost, 23-10. Derrick Deshaun Watson (born September 14, 1995) is an American football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). [154][155][156], On April 7, 2021, Nike and Beats By Dre suspended endorsement deals with Watson. Also, on March 18, the NFL announced that it would investigate the sexual assault allegations made against Watson. Twenty-two of the 23 women who have sued Watson originally filed their lawsuits as Jane Does. It's not the trading away 3 picks, it's the contract they gave to extend him. [26], In 2015, Watson led Clemson to an undefeated 120 regular season and a #1 ranking in the polls. Two of the women suing Watson for sexual assault and sexual misconduct went public in a news conference at Buzbees downtown Houston office Tuesday. Thirteen of the 22 women accusing Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct and sexual assault must resubmit their civil lawsuits with their names attached to them, two Harris County judges ruled Friday. [7][8], Watson was born in Gainesville, Georgia on September 14, 1995, to Deann Watson and Don Richardson. Solis interaction with Watson allegedly occurred in March 2020. Harvey. It makes plenty of sense that the Browns would want Watson to play during the preseason. Buzbee has previously said that up to two additional clients have reported Watson to police, but HPD has only announced one. [134] NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that the NFL would seek a full-year suspension including the postseason, calling Watson's conduct "egregious" and "predatory behavior". One requires plaintiffs to state their names if they are known. One plaintiff dropped her case, citing privacy and security concerns after two district judges ordered she and 12 other plaintiffs had to refile with their names attached. Nia Smith, the complainant in the latest case, is represented by attorney Buzbee, like all other women suing Watson in civil court. The NFLPAfiled its reply brief to the leagues appeal of Watsons six-game suspension, they announced Friday. [21][22] As a result of the injury, he missed games against Boston College, Syracuse and Wake Forest. On Thursday, Hardin filed a motion requesting the court mandate one of the plaintiffs to identify herself. The other requires the defense to receive fair notice of claims. The plaintiff decided to come forward with the allegations after reading that Watson proclaims that he has no regrets and has done nothing wrong.. Jim Schwartz seems to fit the bill for what Browns players . The lawsuits of Ashley Solis, who was the first woman to file suit against Watson, and three others will continue, Buzbee said. He said Watson gets two to three massages per week and often can only schedule them at the last minute because of his busy schedule. Sports Texas Cleveland Browns deshaun watson. At a press conference, Solis said that she suffers from panic attacks, anxiety and depression resulting from the sexual assault. [120] In Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans, Watson threw for 365 yards, three touchdowns and one interception but lost 4138. [53], Watson was projected as a first-round pick by the majority of scouts and analysts. At a news conference on Friday afternoon, Hardin said he has not heard from the Houston Police Department regarding any criminal complaints filed against Watson and went on to say that he doesnt know if more than one criminal complaint has been filed. We will fully cooperate with the Houston Police Department.. Tony Buzbee, the 24 plaintiffs attorney, said in a statement that the Houston Texans were being added to the lawsuits. Despite publicly saying he worked with about 40 massage therapists, Watson booked massage appointments with 66 women from 2019 through 2021, according to a report from the New York Times. Orlovsky reacts to Deshaun Watson's introductory news conference with Browns. That is false. He chose Harvey, who served as a federal prosecutor with expertise in criminal law, including domestic violence and sexual assault. [18][19] In Watson's first career start against the North Carolina Tar Heels, he set a school record with six touchdown passes and threw for 435 yards en route to a 5035 victory. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson, File) The Week 13 game would be against his former team, the Houston Texans, on Sunday, marking exactly 700 days since he last played in a regular-season game with Houston ( Jan. 3, 2021.) After he was accused of sexual assault and misconduct by more than 20 women, the Browns quarterback and the NFL agreed to an 11-game suspension, $5 million fine and mandatory counseling on August 18, 2022. 1 Alabama 3531 in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship. The therapist claims that after Watson left, she was shaken and defecated on herself. A grand jury is expected to convene Friday to decide if charges will be filed against Watson, who still faces 22 active civil suits accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct. Watson still faces 22 active civil suits accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct in massage appointments. Watson excelled in his junior year, winning a state championship and earning accolades such as Junior All-American, 2014 Player to Watch and 2014 Top 100 Recruit. Watson's contract is fully guaranteed for the next five years, with his cap hit for the next four years being $55M/year. State district judges Dedra Davis and Rabeea Sultan Collier ruled Friday that 12 previously unidentified women had to attach their names to their suits, and another agreed to do so in advance of a similar hearing on the matter. [141], The next day, another massage therapist represented by Buzbee claimed that Watson had met her at the Houstonian Hotel in August 2020 and completely undressed and refused to cover up, directing her to massage his anus and penis and making a movement that caused her to touch his penis. Barring a strong offer, Texans brass will try to get him back into the fold before the season begins." Settlements have been reached in 20 of 24 civil lawsuits involving sexual misconduct and assault allegations against Watson, according to Tony Buzbee, the lawyer for the plaintiffs. Eighteen of the 22 active suits accuse Watson of inappropriately touching women with his penis during massage therapy sessions. As for why Watson has worked with so many massage therapists including 18 who supplied statements of support for Watson Hardin pointed to the pandemic shutting down spas. [107] On September 5, Watson signed a four-year, $177.5 million contract extension with $111 million in guarantees, keeping him under contract through the 2025 season. Following nearly a year and a half of accusations, denial, legal wrangling and speculation, Deshaun Watson is back on the football field. There obviously are other legal approaches that are being made, either through the civil cases, Goodell said at the NFL owners meetings on Tuesday. The latest complaint filed, however, was submitted by Houston attorneys Anissah Nguyen and Michelle Kornblith, who do not work for Buzbees firm.