An attorney representing 30 women who accused the Texan of turning a blind eye to allegations that Deshaun Watson sexually assaulted and harassed women during massage sessions says they have settled legal claims reason against team
Last Updated: 7/15/22 7:22 pm
Attorneys representing accusers Deshaun Watson say 30 women have reached confidential settlements with Houston Texans
Their attorneys said Friday, 30 women have accused the Texans of turning a blind eye to allegations that Deshaun Watson sexually assaulted and harassed women during massage sessions.
Attorney Tony Buzbee said the terms of the agreements reached between each woman and the Texans were confidential.
While only one of the women has filed suit against the team, others also intend to bring legal claims against the Texans before settlements are reached, Buzbee said.
“Today all of the women who have made or purported to make claims against the Houston Texans have settled their claims,” Buzbee said in a statement Friday. “The terms of the agreements, including the amount paid, are confidential.
“I will have no further comment on the Texans’ allegations or alleged role, other than to say that there is a stark contrast in the way the Texans have handled these allegations and the way that Watson’s team did so.”
Watson, now with the Cleveland Browns, is sued by 24 women who accuse him of sexual misconduct during massage sessions while he played for the Texas team.
One of those women also sued the Texans, alleging that the group enabled Watson’s behavior. That lawsuit has now been settled, according to Buzbee.
Watson, 26, announced her own settlements last month with 20 of 24 women filing civil lawsuits. Buzbee previously said four pending cases are still active and are being heard in 2023.
Watson consistently denies any wrongdoing and has never been arrested or charged.
Watson is awaiting a decision from the NFL on possible suspension for violating the league’s conduct policy.
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Watson claims he has never assaulted or disrespected any woman following sexual misconduct allegations and civil lawsuits
The Texan has kept Watson inactive for the entire 2021 season because he is being investigated for criminal misconduct. However, he was never prosecuted, and the Browns acquired him in a March transaction, giving up three draft picks in the first round.
Cleveland also signed a three-time Pro Bowl selection deal with a five-year deal that will pay him a guaranteed $230 million. However, Watson’s salary for 2022 is believed to be just $1 million to protect the possibility that he could face an extended ban.
