A grand jury will be convened to determine if there is sufficient evidence against Texans QB Deshaun Watson to bring criminal charges against him, per Mark Berman of Fox 26 KRIV (via Twitter). As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk observes, Watson’s camp has expected that this would be the case, so it’s not as though the embattled QB is surprised by the development.
Of the 22 women who have filed civil suits against Watson alleging sexual abuse/misconduct, 10 of them have filed criminal complaints. At this time, the Harris County DA’s Office is sending out subpoenas to compel witnesses to testify before the grand jury.
It would not be surprising if an indictment is handed down. As Florio points outs, the nature of grand jury proceedings — which take place without the defendant present and without the opportunity for the defendant’s attorney to cross-examine witnesses — make an indictment relatively easy for prosecutors to obtain.
If Watson is, in fact, indicted, it would likely be enough for the NFL to place him on the Commissioner’s Exempt list, which has been rumored for some time but which has not happened yet. Following the publication of an expansive piece by Jenny Vrentas of SI.com (subscription required) that criticizes the league’s investigation into the allegations against Watson, the NFL has said there is still no change to Watson’s playing status (Twitter link via ESPN’s Kimberley A. Martin).
Indeed, veteran writer Clarence Hill Jr. reports that the league is not planning to interview Watson until it has spoken to all 22 of his accusers, and as of right now, it has only spoken to 10 (Twitter link). So, even if an indictment forces the NFL to put Watson on paid leave, it seems as if this matter is still a long way from a resolution, both in the courtroom and on the football field.
Whoops dee do!
Whoopa dee do!
When 22 women file similar charges in a “massage” claim? One would ponder the frequency and the need for that many different women’s happy ending? The sheer number of complaints is enough to show a sexual compulsive behavior?
Then keep in mind that 22 complained? You wonder how many others that aren’t in the claim that simply took the money because they are trapped in a sex ring where income is more important than morals?
NEVER FEAR! The “shield” will protect him and he will be rubbing his way to a new team and city with new girls. Maybe he will sign with New England(wink-wink)????? Theres a guy up there that can introduce him to HIS buddies up in the Northeast!
But the victims were not trapped in a sex ring. They were legitimate masseuses that were hired to deliver massages and he tried to turn it into a sex act.
Coming from the polish hammer
Texans need another veteran qb, they can’t throw the rookie to the dogs and Watson won’t be doing much playing outside of some jail yard games. I reccomend Brian hoyer, a talented player and a fine young man, great role model for the young buck⏬
Will Judge Judy come out of retirement to star in the Hollywood version of this saga?
I assure you none of the women he allegedly did that with look anything like judge Judy.
Texans want 4 first round picks lol.
AND, a bottle of lotion to replace the one deshaun used.