Already facing 22 lawsuits for various allegations of sexual misconduct, Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has now been named in 10 complaints with Houston police, it was revealed Monday night.
Watson's attorney Rusty Hardin told ESPN about the complaints, saying that eight were filed by women who had previously sued him of sexual misconduct, but that two of the women are new accusers who have not filed lawsuits against the 25-year-old NFL star.
Houston police have not announced any investigations publicly, and details about the complaints have not been revealed.
Watson previously denied any accusations of sexual misconduct when he was sued back in April and Hardin said all sexual contact between his client and the accusers was consensual.
Already facing 22 lawsuits for various allegations of sexual misconduct, Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has now been named in 10 complaints with Houston police, it was revealed Monday night
Hardin told ESPN that Watson is cooperating with police and the Harris County District Attorney's office. NFL investigators have not yet questioned Watson, although Hardin said it's customary for leagues to stand back until law enforcement probes are finished.
'And, when the criminal investigation is over, we'll fully cooperate with the NFL,' Hardin said, referring to the NFL's ongoing investigation into the accusations against Watson.
'We've made it clear to the NFL that we'll totally cooperate with them when they're ready to visit with us,' Hardin continued. 'But they, out of deference to the criminal investigation, always try to wait until that's completed before they try to talk to the accused person.'
Tony Buzbee, the Houston attorney representing Watson's 22 accusers, responded to ESPN in a statement: 'As of today, almost half of these women have given sworn statements to the police, and almost half have spoken to the NFL's investigative team. Both processes are very lengthy. We expect to provide further information to the NFL from all victims.'
High-profile attorney Rusty Hardin (pictured) is representing Texans QB Deshaun Watson
As for the civil suits, Hardin told ESPN that documents have been exchanged between the legal teams but the two sides have yet to schedule depositions for the 22 women. Depositions will begin in September, but Watson will not be deposed until February, after the upcoming season, Hardin said.
'It is really going the normal course of all civil litigation,' Hardin said of the depositions. 'The dates haven't been set as of yet,
