A judge in Houston ruled on Monday that Deshaun Watson may face questions under oath at the least some of the 22 civil cases filed against him by women who have accused the quarterback of the Houston Texans of actions ranging from harassment to sexual assault during massage sessions.
Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, filed a motion last week to delay Watson’s plea until after the 1st. April and argued Monday that such a delay would allow Watson’s legal team to secure depositions with the 22 women who are suing Watson and also allow Watson the protection of whether she, too, will face criminal charges. Watson’s deposition was originally scheduled to begin this week.
Hardin said in court Monday that the district attorney of Harris County will probably decide before 1st. April whether Watson will be criminally charged. The office of District Attorney and Houston police declined to comment on the status of the criminal case against Watson.
Hardin’s motion to delay Watson’s plea was denied Monday, at least in part.
“The team Deshaun Watson says loudly and publicly that he is innocent and wants nothing more than to clear his name, but refuses to sit in a room and face his accusers and answer questions under oath,” said Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, the lawyer for the 22 women suing Watson, in a prepared statement Monday.
“Today [Watson] sought further delay; however, despite his efforts, the Court has ruled that, at least with respect to the first nine claimants, there will be no further delay,” Buzbee added.
The court ruled on Monday that Watson may be questioned under oath about nine charges related to the pending civil cases. None of the women involved in these nine cases has filed a criminal complaint against Watson, and all of them have already provided their own statements in civil cases ongoing.
Hardin argued in court Monday that no attorney would allow his client to give sworn testimony in a civil case when a possible criminal case looms, raising the possibility that when Watson does give testimony in the nine cases identified by the court the Monday, he will likely exercise his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent.
“The attorney’s obligation is to protect the client, and as long as there is a criminal investigation going on, it’s only fair to wait to see if it results in charges or not before deciding if you’re going to bring someone in to give evidence,” Hardin told reporters. after Monday’s hearing.
— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) March 17, 2021
The 22 civil cases filed against Watson accuse him of a variety of actions during massage appointments, from refusing to cover his genitals to forced oral sex. Hardin said Monday that Watson “did not do what he is charged with,” adding, “I am hopeful and confident that that will be the conclusion of a grand jury.”
Buzbee threw the least some light on the recent statement by the marketing manager Watson, Brian Burney, saying it was Burney who testified saying the organization of the Houston Texans “I gave Watson the confidentiality agreement which insisted that many women signed after a massage session. “
The NFL is also investigating Watson’s case.
Watson, who has been the subject of NFL trade rumors for months, did not play all season for the Texans despite remaining on the active roster.
