Lawyer: Houston Texans settle lawsuits with all 30 Deshaun Watson accusers
The Houston Texans have come to settlement agreements with all 30 women who had filed or intended to file suit against the organization, lawyer Tony Buzbee announced in a statement on Friday. The women sought to argue the Texans aided DeShaun Watson in committing acts of sexual misconduct during massages while he was the team’s starting quarterback.
Buzbee noted just one of the women filed a formal lawsuit and he says that case will be dismissed. He also says the four filed cases against Watson himself are still playing out, commenting on the difference in which the Texans handled the women’s claims versus the new Cleveland Browns QB. The details of the settlements, including financial information, are confidential.
Watson reached a settlement in 20 of the 24 civil cases against him in late June. The Houston-area lawyer says he hopes the four remaining cases can go to trial in the spring of 2023.
Following the news of Watson’s first settlements, a report from the Wall Street Journal claimed the NFL is seeking an indefinite suspension lasting at least one year. Watson and the Browns still await the league’s verdict with two weeks until training camp begins.
The Texans released a statement that says the organization was “shocked and deeply saddened” when allegations came out against the former Clemson star. The release also says that the settlements are not an admission of guilt but they are an attempt to resolve things “amicably” and to provide closure for the Houston community.
Buzbee announces Texans settle with 30 women
“Today all of the women who have made, or intended to make, claims against the Houston Texans organization have resolved their claims,” Buzbee’s statement reads. “The terms of the settlements, to include the amounts paid each, are confidential. I will have no further comment on the allegations or the Texans’ alleged role, other than to say that there is a marked contrast in the way in which the Texans addressed these allegations, and the way in which Watson’s team has done so.
“As has been previously reported, only one of the thirty women who made allegations against the Texans filed a formal lawsuit. That particular lawsuit will be dismissed with prejudice as soon as the appropriate settlement paperwork is complete.”
Tony Buzbee made sure to credit the alleged victims who spoke out about their experiences with Watson.
“It takes an incredible amount of fortitude for a victim of sexual misconduct to come forward,” Buzbee wrote. “It is even more difficult when the alleged wrongdoer is famous, rich or powerful. As I’ve said before, these cases started with one phone call, from one brave and strong woman: Ashley Solis. Because of her willingness to speak out, soon others followed. I admire Ashley Solis and the other women who were courageous enough to make their voices heard. I hope their bravery serves as an example to others who have been subjected to similar conduct. Every story has a hero-in this story that hero is Ashley Solis and the other women who, despite the ridicule, criticism, and vitriol directed at them, endured.”