Second Grand Jury Announces Ruling On Deshaun Watson's Legal Situation
By Jason Hall
March 24, 2022
UPDATE:
A second Texas grand jury has decided not to file charges against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Brazoria County Criminal District Attorney Tom Selleck issued the following statement on Thursday (March 24):
"After a careful and thorough review of the facts and evidence documented in the reports prepared by the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office and the Houston Police Department, as well as hearing testimony from witnesses, the Grand Jury for Brazoria County has declined to charge Deshaun Watson with any crimes.
"Accordingly, this matter is closed."
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A second Texas grand jury heard evidence against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson on Wednesday (March 23), FOX 8 in Cleveland reported.
The statement from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office on a grand jury’s determination that Deshaun Watson should not be charged with a crime. pic.twitter.com/i2cYdqh3Q8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2022
The grand jury -- which is in a separate Texas county from the one that ruled not to file charges against Watson earlier this month -- reportedly met to hear evidence and a district attorney declined to provide details but said more information will be released later on Thursday (March 24).
Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, confirmed the complaint was filed by one of the woman involved in the previous 22 civil lawsuits filed against the quarterback.
Watson was acquired by the Cleveland Browns in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Texans last week.
ESPN's Kimberly A. Martin reports the Browns were aware of the second grand jury and Watson flew to Cleveland Wednesday night to have his physical and meet with the coaches on Thursday.
I’m told #Browns were aware of this second grand jury.
— KimberlEY A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) March 24, 2022
Watson’s attorney Rusty Hardin says in the article that the complaint was filed by one of the women involved in the civil lawsuit cases: “It’s not a new complaint.” https://t.co/62hzpOvyuG
Watson faced 22 active civil lawsuits accusing him of coercive and lewd sexual behavior and participated in a deposition at his attorney Rusty Hardin's office on March 11, before a grand jury ruled not to file criminal charges.
"Grand jury does not find enough to criminally charge DeShaun Watson. Nine accusations- none were found to be criminal," KHOU's Molly Baker Cuculich tweeted.
Grand jury does not find enough to criminally charge DeShaun Watson. Nine accusations- none were found to be criminal.
— Molly Baker Cuculich (@MollyCuculich) March 11, 2022
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
Sources told Schefter that Watson's new five-year deal worth $230 million is fully guaranteed, which would make it the highest guaranteed contract ever given to an NFL player.
Browns are giving Deshaun Watson a new deal, per sources. The $184M over the first four years of this contract is a $48M raise over the $136M he was scheduled to make over the same four years on the previous contract - a $12M a-year raise in that span.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2022
Every dollar of Deshaun Watson’s new five-year, $230 million deal is guaranteed, per sources, setting a new record for the highest guarantee given to an NFL player. @Browns and Watson’s agent @DavidMulugheta combine to make history.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2022
The former Clemson standout requested a trade from the Texans prior to the allegations surfacing and later being ruled out of every game during the 2021 season for "non-injury reasons/personal matter," though never specifically being suspended or placed on any reserve list.