• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Tune in on Dec. 11 at 1:05 p.m. ET for our last Future of Sports virtual summit of the year – Future of Sports: Marketing! Register Now
Law

Houston Texans Added as Defendants in Deshaun Watson Case

  • The Houston Texans have been added as defendants in the civil trial against Deshaun Watson.
  • The team is accused of enabling his sexual misconduct.
Deshaun-Watson-Houston-Texans
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The blast radius of the Deshaun Watson saga is now engulfing his former team as the quarterback awaits a potential suspension.

The Houston Texans have been officially added as defendants in the civil trial against Watson.

“Today we filed the first case of what will likely be many against the Houston Texans related to Deshaun Watson’s behavior,” said Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing a group of women who have accused Watson of sexual misconduct. 

“Suffice it to say, the overwhelming evidence collected indicating that the Houston Texans enabled Watson’s behavior is incredibly damning.”

  • 20 of the 24 massage therapists represented by Buzbee have reached confidential settlements.
  • The Texans helped arrange many of the massages and provided Watson with a nondisclosure agreement following an accusation by one woman.
  • Lead detective Kamesha Baker testified that Houston police investigated 10 reports related to Watson’s behavior, and she has no doubt a crime occurred.

Suspension Suspense

Federal judge Sue L. Robinson, who is serving as the disciplinary officer in this case, is set to determine Watson’s punishment for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

The NFL recommended an indefinite suspension of at least one year. Any appeal from Watson or the NFLPA would be judged by league commissioner Roger Goodell or someone appointed by him.

The way the Cleveland Browns structured Watson’s contract may shield him from a financial hit from a potential suspension: His five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract pays him only $1 million in the first year. His cap hit rises from $10 million in the first year to $55 million thereafter.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jay-Z’s Attorney Calls Sexual Assault Lawsuit a ‘Campaign of Extortion’

The lawsuit was originally filed against Sean Combs in October.
Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.

Featured Today

Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
November 30, 2024

U.S. Investors Are Gunning for England’s Small Soccer Clubs

Is another Hollywood-like success story possible among the U.K.’s smallest clubs?
Nov 1, 2024; Boise, Idaho, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) leads the team onto the field prior to the first quarter against the San Diego State Aztecs at Albertsons Stadium.
November 29, 2024

Schools Are Scrambling to Prepare for the NCAA Revenue-Sharing Era

In the post–House v. NCAA world, “everyone’s kind of on their own.”
Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Recording artist Taylor Swift arrives prior to a game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
November 29, 2024

The PWHL Could Be Inviting a Date With Taylor Swift’s Legal Team

The Toronto Sceptres may have opened a Pandora’s box of trademark issues.
James Dolan
December 5, 2024

Judge Orders MSG Bootleg Merch Sellers to Cut It Out, Appear in..

MSG Sports, the Knicks, and Rangers sued the vendors Monday.
Tyson
December 6, 2024

Gambling Company Sues Mike Tyson, Says He Blew Off Deal to Fight..

Tyson recently lost a highly anticipated fight to Jake Paul in Texas.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
James Dolan
December 3, 2024

James Dolan’s MSG Sports Declares War on Bootleg T-Shirt Vendors

The Knicks and Rangers are suing counterfeit merchandise vendors outside of MSG.
Mar 12, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani talks with translator Ippei Mizuhara in the dugout against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training baseball game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale.
December 3, 2024

Shohei Ohtani Seeks Baseball Cards From Interpreter in Federal Case

Ohtani’s former translator is expected to be sentenced for bank and tax fraud.
Tyreek Hill
November 26, 2024

Tyreek Hill Still Plans to Sue Miami-Dade Police After Charges Dropped, Lawyer..

The officers who arrested him in September did not appear in court. 
NFL QB Baker Mayfield
November 26, 2024

Baker Mayfield Sues Father’s Company for $12 Million

The suit says money transfers happened “without authorization.”