The Deshaun Watson sweepstakes caught fire last after a grand jury in Texas declined to indict him on nine allegations of sexual misconduct, but the star quarterback is not out of the woods just yet.
Watson is still awaiting another grand jury decision in Texas. The allegation of sexual misconduct from a massage therapist is not new, Watson’s attorney Rusty Hardin explained on Thursday. The other nine were handled in Harris County, but the 10th complaint stems from an alleged incident that took place in Brazoria County. Hardin said the Brazoria County district attorney waited until the Harris County grand jury handed down its decision before proceeding.
A courthouse official said a decision is expected by Thursday or Friday, according to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network.
“This is a year-old allegation,” Hardin said. “We knew about it, the Browns knew about it. It is not something we were surprised by. Deshaun is going to be the Browns quarterback this year.”
Watson is still facing civil lawsuits from 22 women. The criminal complaints were the most concerning for NFL teams, which is why the trade talks surrounding Watson heated up after a grand jury declined to indict him on the nine previous allegations.
The NFL is also conducting its own investigation into the allegations against Watson. It’s possible — if not likely — that the 26-year-old will be suspended. The Browns appear to have structured Watson’s contract in a way that will protect him if that happens.
Photo: Jan 27, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the NFL Pro Bowl football game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
