Judge rules that Houston Texans QB Deshaun can testify under oath during nine civil cases

Monday’s ruling by Houston Judge Deshaun WatsonIn at least two of the twenty-two civil cases brought against him by women who are the accuser, he can be questioned under oath Houston TexansYou can find a list of all actions, from harassment to sexual assault in massage sessions.

Rusty Hardin (Watson’s attorney) filed a motion to defer Watson’s deposition to after April 1. He argued Monday that this would allow Watson’s legal team secure depositions of all twenty-two women who are suing Watson, and also give Watson the assurance of knowing if he will face criminal charges. Watson’s initial deposition was scheduled for this week.

Hardin stated in court Monday that Watson would likely be charged criminally by the Harris County District attorney. The District Attorney’s office in Houston and the Houston Police have not commented on the criminal case against Watson.

Hardin’s motion for Watson to be deposed delayed was denied Monday at least partially.

“Deshaun Watson’s legal team loudly and publicly claims that he is innocent, and wants nothing more than for him to be cleared his name. Yet, he refuses sit in a chamber and face his accusers and answer any questions under oath,” Tony Buzbee, the Houston attorney representing the 22 women who are suing Watson, stated in a prepared statement Monday.

“Today [Watson]He sought further delay, but the Court rejected his efforts and ruled that there would be no delay for the first nine plaintiffs.” Buzbee also added.

Monday’s ruling by the court allowed Watson to be examined under oath regarding allegations related to nine of the civil cases. Watson has not been charged in any of those cases, and Watson’s civil case is ongoing.

Hardin claimed in court Monday that no attorney would let his or her client give sworn statements in civil cases when a possible criminal case is in the horizon. This raises the possibility of Watson giving testimony in the nine cases identified Monday by the court. He will likely invoke his Fifth Amendment right not to speak.

Hardin stated that lawyers have an obligation to protect their client. After Monday’s hearing, Hardin informed reporters that it was fair to wait to see if there are criminal charges.

Watson is accused of various actions in massage appointments. These include refusing to cover his sexual organs and forcing oral sex. Watson has been charged with 22 civil cases. Hardin stated Monday that Watson “didn’t do what is being accused of doing” and said “I’m hopeful and I believe that that will be the conclusion of a grand jury.”

Buzbee offered some perspective on Watson’s recent deposition. He said that Burney was the one who testified that Watson received a nondisclosure contract from Houston Texans after he had massaged.

Watson’s case is being investigated by the NFL.

Watson, who was the subject of NFL trade rumors since months, didn’t play for the Texans all season despite being on the active roster.