Second grand jury announces Deshaun Watson decision
Deshaun Watson was investigated by a second grand jury in Texas over a sexual assault complaint, and the end result was the same for the star quarterback.
A grand jury in Brazoria County, Texas, on Thursday declined to indict Watson. The Cleveland Browns star will not face criminal charges in that case, either.
A statement from Brazoria County DA Tom Selleck on the Brazoria County grand jury declining to indict QB Deshaun Watson on any criminal charges (plus an NFL response): pic.twitter.com/5OR6yHrJN8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 24, 2022
The allegation of sexual misconduct from a massage therapist was not new. Watson’s attorney Rusty Hardin explained earlier Thursday that the other nine criminal complaints were handled in Harris County. The 10th complaint stemmed 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.
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 23, 2020; Kissimmee, Florida, USA; Houston Texans quarterback DeShaun Watson (4) during AFC practice at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
