Two new women make allegations against Texans' Deshaun Watson
Earlier on Monday, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported that Houston Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson hasn't yet been informed if he will be placed on paid leave as he faces 22 lawsuits alleging acts of sexual assault and misconduct.
On Monday, Rusty Hardin, Watson's attorney, told John Barr of ESPN that 10 women have filed complaints with Houston police about Watson. Two of the women are not among those suing the signal-caller, which suggests those are allegations not known by the public until Monday.
Houston police did not comment on the investigation to ESPN.
Hardin added that the NFL has not yet interviewed Watson about the allegations because the league is first waiting for the criminal investigation to conclude. Tony Buzbee, who is representing the women suing Watson, offered a statement to ESPN:
"As of today, almost half of these women have given sworn statements to the police, and almost half have spoken to the NFL's investigative team. Both processes are very lengthy. We expect to provide further information to the NFL from all victims."
Depositions for the plaintiffs are scheduled to begin in September. It was previously reported Watson won't be deposed until February 2022.
Hardin reiterated that Watson does not wish to sign any confidentiality agreement if a settlement is reached between the parties.
"I do not want anybody to be saying that this guy paid off women to stay quiet and so, if there ever was a settlement of any kind, it would have to be public and therefore both sides, [Watson] and the women, would be able to say to the world at large whatever they wanted," Hardin explained.
Watson continues to deny any wrongdoing via his attorney.
The Texans are reportedly open to trading Watson, who made his desire to leave the organization known following the 2020 season. However, logic suggests no team will risk losing anything of value for somebody who could be indefinitely prevented from playing via the commissioner's exempt list or a suspension.
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