Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns quarterback who made headlines for settling 23 of 26 sexual misconduct lawsuits, now faces a new legal hurdle.
This comes after a petition was filed by the lawyer representing one of the plaintiffs, seeking to compel Watson to provide further deposition.
The attorney for the plaintiff in one of the sexual misconduct lawsuits against Watson, David Bickham, submitted a request to the court on Feb. 6, aiming to force Watson to undergo an in-person deposition by Aug. 1.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: Despite already serving an 11-game suspension, the #NFL hasn’t ruled out further punishment for #Browns QB Deshaun Watson in the event that further evidence emerges from the remaining sexual misconduct cases against him, per @ProFootballTalk
Deshaun Watson might… pic.twitter.com/k4SpTEr0W8
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) February 15, 2024
This development suggests that despite the settlement of numerous cases, the legal saga surrounding Watson is far from over.
Bickham highlighted that during the original deposition, certain questions were left unanswered due to instructions from Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin. The petitioner seeks a re-deposition to ensure comprehensive discovery and obtain crucial answers.
Deshaun Watson just keeps racking up those numbers pic.twitter.com/bpo2ApXflY
— The Paulie and Tony Fusco Show (@TheFuscoShow) February 15, 2024
“Plaintiff seeks an order from this Court compelling the re-deposition of Defendant Watson in order to propound allowable discovery and have such answers produced,” stated Bickham in the court filing.
This latest development comes after Watson’s representatives reportedly offered each woman $100,000 to settle, though not all accusers agreed to the settlement terms. Despite the legal battles, Watson has consistently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct.
Pre allegations Deshaun Watson was one of the most cracked QBs I’ve ever seen pic.twitter.com/UQCNkrFCZc
— Nick (@NotoriousFNTSY) February 16, 2024
The quarterback’s legal troubles have had ramifications beyond the courtroom. While two Texas grand juries declined to indict Watson on criminal charges, the NFL took action, suspending him for 11 games and imposing a $5 million fine for violating the league’s personal-conduct policy.
Watson struggled when he returned to the field this season. In his six starts, he threw for 1,115 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions.
.@RealTannenbaum thinks the Browns should trade Deshaun Watson to the Giants for Daniel Jones 👀 pic.twitter.com/XoSbp47qv9
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 16, 2024
Cleveland’s trade for Watson and decision to give him a fully-guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract are looking like two of the worst decisions in NFL history.
Due to the inexplicable amount of fully-guaranteed money, it’s nearly impossible for Cleveland to cut bait with Watson without severely setting their franchise back ever farther.
What should they do?
Do you think he will somehow be able to bounce back and regain his old Houston form???
The #Browns should consider reuniting Deshaun Watson and Mike Williams this off-season. pic.twitter.com/utLynZLhQh
— Tyler Johnson (@T_johnson_TJ) February 16, 2024