Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson will not face criminal charges after a Texas grand jury did not indict him on Friday following accusations of sexual misconduct by 22 women.
While the criminal aspect of the case is now complete, Watson still faces the prospect of discipline from the NFL, while also being the subject of civil lawsuits filed by his accusers.
The grand jury's decision came about a year after the women first filed their suits, accusing Watson of exposing himself, touching them with his penis or kissing them against their will during massage appointments.
One woman alleged Watson forced her to perform oral sex.
Houston police began investigating Watson in April 2021 after a criminal complaint was filed. The FBI also was reviewing the allegations.
Prosecutors presented evidence and testimony to the grand jury for more than six hours on Friday related to nine criminal complaints against Watson, according to Johna Stallings, from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
Stallings declined to say what possible charges were presented to the grand jury for consideration.
“We respect the grand jury's decision," Stallings said, adding that this ended criminal proceedings related to Watson in Harris County.
In the wake of the decision, Watson posted on social media.
"When you stand on the TRUTH, the LORD will FREE you!," he tweeted.
He also spoke after the hearing.
"This is a very emotional moment for me, I know we’re very far from being done (with the legal process)… but today is definitely a big day and I’d like to thank my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ for letting the truth be heard," he said, according to the Houston Chronicle.
"We're going to continue to handle what we need to handle on the legal side, but also ready to get back on the field (in the NFL) and be prepared for that."
Watson's lawyers have said “some sexual activity” happened during some of the massage appointments but that he never coerced anyone.
Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing the 22 women, said the criminal case was separate from the civil cases and he would continue the process of questioning Watson as the lawsuits move toward trial.
Earlier on Friday, Buzbee questioned Watson during a deposition, the first the NFL star has given as part of the lawsuits.
Eight of the women who sued Watson filed criminal complaints against him with Houston police, and had been set to appear before the grand jury. Two other women who didn’t sue Watson also filed police complaints.
Watson's lawyers have sought to balance their defence of the NFL star while simultaneously condemning sexual violence against women.
They have called the lawsuits a "money grab" and claimed that all 22 women who sued are lying.
Buzbee has said some of his clients have faced criticism and even death threats.
Even before the lawsuits were filed in March 2021, Watson had asked to be traded. The trade request and the lawsuits kept Watson out all last season. The Texans were expected to try and trade Watson this off-season.
Watson passed for 4,823 yards with 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2020 following a landmark contract extension with the Texans worth $US156 million ($206 million) over four years.
That deal has yet to kick in as Watson had two years to go on his rookie contract, including a fifth-year option standard for first-round picks.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league was "closely monitoring all developments" and that matter "remains under review of the personal conduct policy."
No trial date has been set for the lawsuits.
Watson takes fifth Amendment during deposition
Watson invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during the deposition, Hardin said.
"No lawyer in America would let their client testify in a court case with the same matters being considered by a grand jury," Hardin said.
With the criminal investigation over, "we are happy to move forward with the civil case depositions," Hardin said.
Buzbee said that Watson’s refusal to answer his questions on Friday only bolstered the women's allegations.
“If he did nothing wrong, why not just say that?" Buzbee said.
Hardin said Buzbee's only goal on Friday was to ask Watson "salacious questions" and release transcripts to the media to make him look bad.
Wires/ABC
