CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 19: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns looks on from the bench in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Deshaun Watson famously had to fend off lawsuits filed by 22 women who allege that Watson sexually assaulted them during private massage sessions when he was the quarterback of the Houston Texans.
Just when you thought things were over, more information came out this week.
Watson may be forced to add something to his offseason schedule as the lawyer for the plaintiff in a sexual misconduct lawsuit against Watson petitioned the court on Feb. 6 to force the Browns quarterback to give an in-person deposition by Aug. 1.
The plaintiff’s attorney has highlighted that the original deposition was cut short due to instructions from Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, not to answer certain questions about other cases filed against him.
According to court documents, the plaintiff seeks to compel Watson’s re-deposition to ensure proper discovery and obtain crucial answers.
“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 lawyer David Bickham in the court filing.
Watson has remained steadfast in denying all allegations against him.
Two Texas grand juries declined to indict Watson on criminal charges. Despite that, he served an 11-game suspension and paid a $5 million fine for violating the NFL’s personal-conduct policy.
In six starts for Cleveland after the suspension, he threw for 1,102 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions.
In six games played during the 2023 season, Watson amassed 1,115 passing yards and seven touchdowns. Watson’s season ended early as he underwent season-ending surgery to repair a broken bone in his throwing shoulder.
