A Texas grand jury on Friday refused to indict and criminalize Houston Texans quarterback Deshan Watson after he was accused of sexual assault and assault by multiple women.
Dan Schiller, spokesman for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, said Friday, “After the Harris County Grand Jury has presented all evidence and had an opportunity to hear all witnesses, grand jurors declined to convict Deshaan Watson. ” “The proceedings of the grand jury are secret by law, so any information relating to their investigation cannot be disclosed.”
Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, said in a statement Friday that he and his client were “delighted that the grand jury thoroughly looked at the case and came to the same conclusions that we did.”
“Deshaun Watson has not committed any crime, nor is he guilty of any crime,” Hardin said.
“Now that the criminal investigation is complete, we are pleased to proceed with the statements of the civil cases. We will vigorously defend those cases with every ounce.”
Watson was charged with sexual misconduct by 22 women in civil lawsuits, alleging that she inappropriately touched the plaintiffs, who were hired as massage therapists and personal trainers.
All 22 civil plaintiffs are represented by Houston attorney Tony Buzby, who said eight of his clients were slated to testify before a grand jury.
Watson, a 26-year-old native of Gainesville, Georgia and alumnus of Clemson University, has stay in the league since 2017, but did not play last season as his legal challenges surfaced and texas sought to do business His talented QB.
it was because of sit for civil deposit on fridayBut Buzby said the quarterback has already informed him through lawyers that he will not cooperate.
“Mr. Watson and his legal team have publicly stated repeatedly that Deshan Watson is innocent and wants to clear his name,” Buzby said, “yet when he is given the opportunity to do so, he intends to Refusing to answer questions and request the Fifth Amendment instead. If he has nothing to hide, he should answer the questions.”
The Associated Press Contribution,