Tag: Deshaun Watson lawsuit

Are the Texans going to wait until after the draft to trade QB Deshaun Watson?

The Houston Texans have not traded quarterback Deshaun Watson. Are they going to wait until after the NFL draft?

Spring has sprung and the Houston Texans still have quarterback Deshaun Watson under contract.

Although Watson reportedly told new coach David Culley that he did not want to play another down for Houston’s NFL team, the club has kept their former 2017 first-round pick. Is it because they truly are holding to general manager Nick Caserio’s “zero interest” in trading him?

According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, the Texans were ready to push the button that would jettison their three-time Pro Bowl quarterback for a draft haul that would quicken the rebuilding process.

After Watson met with coach David Culley on a Zoom conference call earlier this month and reiterated his determination to leave the Texans, they planned to trade him by the draft rather than endure a long holdout that would delay the rebuild.

The Texans were hoping to acquire a franchise quarterback for Watson to kick off the new era with Culley and general manager Nick Caserio, but Watson’s legal situation make it less likely they’ll be able to trade him by April 29, the first day of the draft.

If the Texans aren’t able to trade Watson by Round 1 of the draft, then they will have to wait until afterwards, and the haul of picks and resources won’t be there, ensuring that the Texans at least have a grim outlook for 2021.

Watson has had 16 lawsuits filed against him by 16 different women in Harris County district court alleging sexual assault. The NFL has also contacted Tony Buzbee, who represents all of the women with more complaints to follow, and has stated they have opened an investigation of their own into the claims as they pertain to violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

If the NFL’s investigation is not over by the draft, teams would prefer to wait until thereafter to start making deals with Houston again.

Former lawyer for Adrian Peterson, Warren Moon representing Texans QB Deshaun Watson

Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson has Rusty Hardin as his defense attorney. Hardin previously represented Warren Moon, Adrian Peterson, and more.

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has enlisted the services of a well-known defense attorney who has previously represented high profile athletes.

According to KHOU, Watson has hired Rusty Hardin as his defense attorney as he faces multiple civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault with different massage therapists.

Hardin, a former prosecutor who became a defense attorney in 1990, has a track record of representing pro athletes.

Among Hardin’s NFL players, he represented former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Warren Moon in 1996 when he was charged with choking and beating his wife at their Missouri City home. Hardin also represented former Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in 2014 when he was arrested in Montgomery County after beating his son with a tree branch, or as is known in Southern parlance, a “switch.”

Hardin represented former New England Patriots defensive end Michael Bennett in 2017 when a 66-year-old security guard at NRG Stadium accused him of injuring her after Super Bowl LI. The charge was later dismissed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajf6wmXhNT0

The NFL is investigating the claims against Watson and will evaluate them as it pertains to violating their personal conduct policy. As of March 19, seven plaintiffs have filed lawsuits against Watson in Harris County district court.

Report: NFL teams still interested in trading for Texans QB Deshaun Watson

Multiple NFL teams are still reportedly interesting in trading for Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson despite the civil suits alleging misconduct.

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has had seven lawsuits filed against him alleging sexual assault, and the NFL is even investigating the suits as it pertains to violating their personal conduct policy.

However, the off-field issues are not affecting his interest on the trade market.

According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, multiple NFL teams are still interested in Watson’s services, yet they are also keeping track of the lawsuits.

On March 16, Houston attorney Tony Buzbee posted on Instagram that he was going to file multiple lawsuits against Watson pertaining to the sexual assault allegations. That same evening, Watson took to Twitter to express that he looked forward to clearing his name.

One team that still has its sights set on acquiring Watson is the Carolina Panthers. However, the Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets remain possibilities as those clubs still have ambiguity at the quarterback position.

Texans QB Deshaun Watson responds to misconduct lawsuit filed by Houston attorney

Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson responded on Twitter to a statement from attorney Tony Buzbee regarding a misconduct lawsuit filed against him.

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has been a dramatic focal point for the city since the end of the 2020 season with his trade request.

However, a lawsuit filed by a Houston attorney is drawing attention to Watson’s life off the field.

On Tuesday evening, attorney Tony Buzbee, a former Houston mayoral candidate, took to Instagram to state he had filed a lawsuit against the three-time Pro Bowler, alleging numerous instances of misconduct toward women.

“I am extremely proud to represent those who have no perceived power against those who have PERCEIVED power,” Buzbee wrote. “Things are changing in this country, in this great state, and in this great city. And I feel like it’s for the better, for all of us! Today we filed suit against Deshaun Watson. Too many times women have put up with behavior that we all know no one should put up with. Should we make excuses for the famous? Or those who hold special positions, or quarterbacks on a local professional football team? I don’t think so! All people are equal, and all deserve dignity and respect.

“My dad was a butcher. My mother drove my school bus and worked in the snack bar. Knowing what I know now: My momma had more dignity in her pinky finger than most executives or coaches or politicians or famous athletes have in their whole bodies! This case we just filed against Watson isn’t about money — it’s about dignity and stopping behavior that should be stopped, NOW! Stay tuned for details. LET ME SAY THIS. I’m a Marine. I’m not easily intimidated. If you have any info or have been part of this, contact my office: txattorneys.com.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CMgJqRop6-X/

Watson responded that same evening with a statement of his own that he posted to his Twitter account.

“As a result of a social media post by a publicity-seeking plaintiff’s lawyer, I recently became aware of a lawsuit that has been apparently filed against me,” Watson wrote. “I have not yet seen the complaint, but I know this: I have never treated any woman with anything other than the utmost respect. The plaintiff’s lawyer claims that this isn’t about money, but before filing suit he made a baseless six-figure settlement demand, which I quickly rejected. Unlike him, this isn’t about money for me — it’s about clearing my name, and I look forward to doing that.”

Texans right tackle Tytus Howard took to Twitter and responded to Watson’s statement by issuing his support for the quarterback.

The new league year in the NFL starts March 17 at 3:00 p.m. Watson is still under contract with the Texans.

 

This is a developing story.