The Houston Texans have settled with all of the women who made or intended to make claims against the organization for its alleged role in the reported sexual misconduct of former quarterback Deshaun Watson.
According to KPRC-TV, the Texans have settled with 30 women represented by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee. Terms of the settlements are confidential.
Buzbee released a statement following the announcement of the settlement on Friday:
“I will have no further comment on the allegations or the Texans’ role, other than to say that there is a marked contrast in the way in which the Texans addressed these allegations, and the way in which Watson’s team has done so. As previously reported, only one of the 30 women who made allegations against the Texans filed a formal lawsuit. That particular lawsuit will be dismissed with prejudice as soon as the appropriate settlement paperwork is complete.
“It takes an incredible amount of fortitude for a victim of sexual misconduct to come forward. It is even more difficult when the alleged wrongdoer is famous, rich, and powerful. As I’ve said before, these cases started with one phone call, from one brave and strong woman: Ashley Solis. Because of her willingness to speak out, soon others followed. I admire Ashley Solis and the other woman who were courageous enough to make their voices heard. I hope their bravery serves as an example to others who have been subjected to similar conduct. Every story has a hero – in this story, that hero is Ashley Solis and the other woman who, despite the ridicule, criticism, and vitriol directed at them, endured.
“The four filed cases against Deshaun Watson will continue. We hope to try them all in the spring of next year. In the meantime, we will continue to do the important work to prepare for such.”
A Harris County grand jury declined to indict Watson on criminal charges related to the allegations, as did a Brazoria County grand jury. The complaints against Watson have been ongoing since March 17, 2021, when Buzbee first made comments on social media about the incidents. The civil suits have resulted in complaints to the Houston Police Department, an investigation by the FBI, and an ongoing investigation by the NFL. There were also warrants issued for Watson’s social media accounts.
The Texans traded Watson to the Cleveland Browns in mid-March 2022.
