Deshaun Watson Won’t Be Facing Criminal Charges Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations

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Watson was present for depositions in the two civil lawsuits against his earlier Friday at Hardin’s law office, which is located approximately half a mile from downtown Houston’s Harris County criminal courthouse.

Hardin stated that Watson invoked the Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination during deposition.

Tony Buzbee was the attorney representing the women. He said that the criminal case is distinct from the civil case and that he will continue to question Watson as the lawsuits progress towards trial.

“The civil cases will continue gathering steam. We will take Mr. Watson’s testimony again Tuesday. Respect the process,” Buzbee stated Friday.

The lawsuits have not yet been scheduled for trial.

Watson is being investigated by the NFL under its personal conduct policy. A spokesperson for the NFL said Friday that they are closely following all developments.

Watson has not been a player for the Texans since March 16, 2020 when the first lawsuit was filed. However, he was active during the 2021 season and was a healthy scratch in all 17 games. Watson was paid his full $10.54 million salary. Hardin stated last year that he didn’t expect Watson would speak with the NFL’s investigative team before the criminal investigation was over.

Watson requested the Texans trade him in January 2021 because he was unhappy with the direction of the team. Although Watson’s legal situation has not been discussed by any members of the Texans organization, Nick Caserio, the general manager of the team, stated earlier this month that they are “day-today” in handling Watson’s situation. Coach Lovie Smith stated last week that the Texans hope for a quick resolution to Watson’s future.

According to league sources, the market for star quarterback QB Houston is likely to grow quickly. Houston is open to moving him, and there are multiple teams that would be interested in him, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.