I-TEAM: Deshaun Watson speaks on new lawsuit; lawyer says QB will be cleared
(WJW) — The lawyer for Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has released a statement in response to a lawsuit accusing Watson of sex assault.
Attorney Rusty Hardin said: “Deshaun strongly denies the allegations in the Jane Doe lawsuit filed Monday. We have asked him not to comment further while this matter works its way through the courts, but are comfortable he will ultimately be vindicated. We will be ready to defend this case in court at the appropriate time, but don’t intend to conduct our defense in the media. We would ask that people be patient while the legal process runs its course.”
This week, a new lawsuit was filed on behalf of a woman claiming Watson “roughly sexually assaulted” her when they met for a date.
NFL now reviewing new lawsuit filed against Deshaun Watson
Watson has also faced dozens of lawsuits from women claiming sexual misconduct when he went to them for massages.
Most of those cases have settled out of court, but Watson was suspended by the league for 11 games.
The NFL is now also investigating the latest case.
“In the meantime, Deshaun is going to focus his energy and concentration on football,” Hardin also said.
On Wednesday, however, Watson did have to face tough questions about that lawsuit. He told reporters that he was surprised about the case and learned about the lawsuit from the media.
Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents the woman, says he had been discussing the case with Watson’s legal team for months.
“We reached out to Mr. Hardin’s office for ten months in an attempt to resolve this case,” Buzbee said. “We knew this was the most serious case brought against Watson to date and our client, who is rightly traumatized by these events, wanted to attempt a private resolution. We thought that was the best approach given the media storm that occurred surrounding the other claims. Unfortunately, Watson’s team or maybe his lawyers couldn’t or wouldn’t give this the attention it was due. Mr. Hardin now has tried to contact us since we filed suit. Unfortunately, we see that now as too little, too late. But, we are officers of the court, and we will give Mr. Hardin and his esteemed team the respect he has earned and will work with him to progress this case in an efficient manner.”
Buzbee said the NFL also contacted his office.
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The I-Team asked Browns Coach Kevin Stefanski how concerned he was about the league disciplining Watson for personal conduct. He said it is, “not really a consideration for me.”
We also asked Watson if he has given any thought to the league coming after him again for his personal conduct. He replied that he hasn’t “had any thought” about it and his plan is figuring out Jacksonville’s defense.
Two dozen women filed suits accusing Watson of sexual misconduct. Watson does not face any criminal charges. Two grand juries declined to indict him.
The I-Team has learned the NFL investigation is being led by a league executive — someone who has investigated Watson before.
We also reviewed the league’s personal conduct policy. It outlines that players are held to a higher standard. A player does not have to be convicted of a crime to face discipline. The policy also states a player could get more serious discipline from the league for violating the conduct policy a second time.
“He is well aware of what he did,” Buzbee said. “This case is strong and now that we have filed we will pursue it with vigor.”
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