A grand jury will meet this Friday in Houston to hear evidence in sexual misconduct criminal cases brought against Texans QB Deshaun Watson.
The news comes during a time when the beleaguered quarterback is rumored to be of interest to two teams: the Carolina Panthers and the Washington Commanders.
The day the grand jury convenes to hear evidence in the criminal cases is also the same day Watson will face questioning under oath in some of his civil cases relating to the same accusations that he behaved inappropriately with massage therapists. Friday will mark the first day Watson sits for depositions in some of those lawsuits.
https://twitter.com/ayoo_noah/status/1501274034293682181?s=20&t=hdPvWYEiYkTl_s7sCDFCVw
Pleading The Fifth
Rusty Hardin, attorney for Watson, has said he will instruct his client to invoke his Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate himself during Friday’s depositions, especially when a criminal charge could follow the same day.
“I’m not going to let him answer questions from anybody before that grand jury has made its decision. There’s not a lawyer in the country that would,” said Hardin, according to ESPN.
The district attorney investigating Deshaun Watson plans to present her case to a grand jury on Friday – the same day as Watson's civil deposition.
Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, told me a request to delay the deposition until Monday was denied, so Watson will plead the fifth.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 8, 2022
World Of Watson
The results of Watson’s legal troubles will define the next chapter of his career. Until there is a more apparent resolution for his numerous civil cases, Watson’s tradeability hangs in the balance amid interest from two franchises.
According to reports, the Carolina Panthers and the Washington Commanders are interested in bringing Watson to the NFC. Now the only question is will it be South or East.
Currently, it’s a seller’s market for the services of a quarterback, with factors like losing seasons and extreme image makeovers driving the need for a top-tier quarterback.
Deshaun Watson hasn’t even been suspended yet lol
— Jeremy (@JeromeyR0me) March 8, 2022
The Resuscitation Factor
For example, the newly minted Washington Commanders are desperate for resuscitation, and many believed Watson could go there. The organization was subject to workplace misconduct lawsuits by former employees and cheerleaders.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwx_0fRWHts
Former team president Bruce Allen was embroiled in the email scandal with former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden. The organization needs something else for the fans to discuss.
However, recent reports are that the Indianapolis Colts are trading Carson Wentz to the Commanders, now lowering Watson’s options.
Steelers ARE NOT interested in signing DeShaun Watson, despite what you might be hearing or reading, per team sources.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) March 9, 2022
The Carolina Play
Other reports are that the Carolina Panthers are ready to go all-in on Watson. After releasing Cam Newton in March 2020, the Panthers haven’t seemed to get it right. The team gave up three draft selections to the New York Jets for its current quarterback Sam Darnold.
Watson faces 22 civil cases alleging wayward massage appointments. The NFL player has been accused of touching his massage therapists with his genitals; there have also been claims of forced oral sex.
The Carolina Panthers are expected to be the favorite to land Houston Texans Deshaun Watson, per @NBCSports #KeepPounding
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) March 7, 2022
Facing The Music
The Plaintiffs will finally get their chance to face Watson. According to reports, each plaintiff in the 22 pending civil cases has the right to question Watson for up to two hours in depositions.
The depositions are expected to take several days. Still, as early as Friday, a decision on criminal charges could come down.
With Watson having not played all last season for the Texans, his return could be imminent and his addition to any team explosive.
More news from our partners:
“Where Did The Money Go?” | Deion Sanders Is Looking For The Pandemic Money For HBCUs
Alicia Keys Athleta Clothing Line Debuts in Push to Grow Brand to $2 Billion