Report: Grand jury makes major decision on second Deshaun Watson lawsuit
A Brazoria County grand jury decided there would be no indictment against Deshaun Watson on Thursday, according to KPRC’s Mario Diaz. Diaz added a statement is due sometime Thursday.
It’s the latest update on the evolving legal situation involving the new Cleveland Browns quarterback. The news came the same day FOX 8 in Cleveland reported the Texas grand jury convened to hear more evidence against Watson.
The Houston Texans traded Watson to Cleveland after he was cleared of criminal charges earlier this month. However, he’s still facing 22 civil cases regarding sexual misconduct allegations against the former Clemson star. The latest grand jury decision was not a new complaint, Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, told FOX 8.
Watson didn’t play for Houston during the 2021 season as the situation unfolded. After the initial grand jury decision, Houston worked out a trade to send him to Cleveland for a huge haul of draft picks. Six picks — three first-rounders, a third-rounder and two fourth-round picks — are heading to Houston as part of the deal.
After the trade, Cleveland gave Watson a massive contract extension. He signed a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million deal with the Browns, making him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL.
More on the latest grand jury decision involving Deshaun Watson
According to Fox 8 in Cleveland, a second grand jury in Texas heard evidence against Watson on Wednesday.
“The Fox 8 I-Team has learned a second grand jury in another Texas county has convened to hear evidence against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson,” reported Fox 8. “The grand jury met Wednesday to hear evidence in the case.”
According to Watson’s attorney Rusty Hardin, the complaint was filed by one of the women who is involved in the civil case lawsuit.
“It’s not a new complaint,” said Hardin, via Fox 8.
Additionally, Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network reported Hardin’s explanation for the complaint.
“Rusty Hardin said the criminal complaint in Brazoria County stems from a massage therapy session conducted in Pearland, TX, which is why it was referred to Brazoria County, not Harris County district attorney’s office,” tweeted Wilson.
Moreover, the Browns acquired the former Texans quarterback after he was cleared of criminal charges. According to Fox 8, the franchise is aware of the newly-announced case.
The Browns gave Deshaun Watson one of the richest contracts in NFL history as a way to convince him to join the franchise. Still, the franchise and their quarterback will be battling legal matters and public reception — regardless of what happens on the field.