Rusty Hardin
FILE - Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson leaves the field at the end of the first half against the Chicago Bears in an NFL preseason football game, Aug. 27, 2022, in Cleveland. An attorney for the women who settled their lawsuits against Deshaun Watson says most of his clients have no interest in his return to Houston on Sunday. But Tony Buzbee, their attorney, says about 10 of the women who accused Watson of sexual harassment and assault during massages planned to attend Sunday’s game at Houston’s NRG Stadium when the Browns take on the Texans and watch him play in his return from an 11-game suspension. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)
Attorney: As QB Watson returns, accusers say 'we matter'

By Juan A. Lozano Nov. 29, 2022 01:51 PM EST

FILE - Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) leaves the field at the end of the first half against the Chicago Bears in an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, in Cleveland. Suspended Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s status has not been affected by a new civil lawsuit filed against him by another woman claiming sexual misconduct two years ago, the NFL said. Watson is serving an 11-game suspension for alleged sexual misconduct while he played for the Houston Texans. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)
NFL says Deshaun Watson status unchanged despite new lawsuit

By Tom Withers Oct. 14, 2022 01:05 PM EDT

FILE - Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson walks on the field during an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, in Cleveland. Watson is expected to return to the Cleveland Browns' facility on Monday, Oct. 10, 2022, as the polarizing quarterback continues serving his 11-game NFL suspension for alleged sexual misconduct. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)
Deshaun Watson facing new lawsuit claiming sexual misconduct

By Tom Withers Oct. 13, 2022 10:46 PM EDT

FILE - Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Carson, Calif. The Houston Texans had been told that their former quarterback Deshaun Watson was sexually assaulting and harassing women during massage sessions, but instead of trying to stop him, the team provided him with resources to enable his actions and “turned a blind eye” to his behavior, according to a lawsuit filed Monday, June 27, 2022. Watson, who was later traded to the Cleveland Browns, has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to clear his name. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
AP sources: NFL insists on indefinite suspension for Watson

By Rob Maaddi Jun. 28, 2022 02:20 AM EDT

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson takes part in drills at the NFL football team's practice facility Tuesday, June 14, 2022, in Berea, Ohio. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Deshaun Watson settles 20 civil suits, faces NFL suspension

By Juan A. Lozano And Rob Maaddi Jun. 21, 2022 12:46 PM EDT

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson runs on the field during an NFL football practice at the team's training facility Wednesday, June 8, 2022, in Berea, Ohio. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Browns excuse Mayfield from camp, Watson situation expands

By Tom Withers Jun. 08, 2022 05:32 PM EDT

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson stands on the field during an NFL football practice at the team's training facility Wednesday, June 1, 2022, in Berea, Ohio. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Browns' Watson named in 24th lawsuit by massage therapists

By Juan A. Lozano And Tom Withers Jun. 06, 2022 02:22 PM EDT

Cleveland Browns cornerback A.J. Green, left, and defensive end Myles Garrett laugh while signing autographs after an NFL football practice at the team's training facility, Wednesday, June 1, 2022, in Berea, Ohio. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Browns star Garrett keeping open mind about Deshaun Watson

By Tom Withers Jun. 01, 2022 05:11 PM EDT

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson poses for a photo with members of the military who were in attendance during NFL football practice at the team's training facility Wednesday, May 25, 2022, in Berea, Ohio. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Browns QB Watson facing lawsuit from 23rd massage therapist

By Tom Withers May. 31, 2022 08:08 PM EDT

FILE - Cleveland Browns new quarterback Deshaun Watson enters a news conference at the NFL football team's training facility, on March 25, 2022, in Berea, Ohio. Two of the women accusing quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions feel offended by the $230 million contract he received from the Cleveland Browns. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)
Watson accuser felt 'scared' and threatened by Browns QB

By Tom Withers May. 24, 2022 03:14 PM EDT

FILE - Cleveland Browns new quarterback Deshaun Watson speaks during a news conference at the NFL football team's training facility, Friday, March 25, 2022, in Berea, Ohio. Deshaun Watson's going to huddle up the Browns on the beach. Cleveland's new quarterback is treating some of his new offensive teammates to a weekend in the Bahamas to do some bonding and field work. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)
AP source: Browns QB Watson to meet with NFL reps in Texas

By Tom Withers May. 16, 2022 01:07 PM EDT

Cleveland Browns new quarterback Deshaun Watson speaks during a news conference at the NFL football team's training facility, Friday, March 25, 2022, in Berea, Ohio. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
QB Watson's legal woes far from over as he reports to Browns

By Juan A. Lozano Apr. 20, 2022 04:50 PM EDT

FILE - Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson warms up before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Houston. Deshaun Watson stepped away from legal depositions and allegations of sexual misconduct on Thursday, March 24, 2022, to meet his new team. Watson arrived at Cleveland's headquarters in Berea, Ohio, the first step for him and a franchise investing in a player who has been accused by 22 women of sexual misconduct. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith, File)
Watson visits Browns as 2nd grand jury declines to indict

By Tom Withers Mar. 24, 2022 01:54 PM EDT

FILE - Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) practices with the team during NFL football practice Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, in Houston. A judge has declined efforts by attorneys for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson to delay all his depositions in connection with lawsuits filed by 22 women who have accused him of sexual assault and harassment. During a court hearing Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, defense attorney Rusty Hardin asked that depositions be delayed until the end of a criminal investigation. (AP Photo/Justin Rex File)
No indictment for Texans QB Watson over sex assault claims

By Juan A. Lozano Mar. 11, 2022 02:38 PM EST

FILE - Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) practices with the team during NFL football practice Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, in Houston. A judge has declined efforts by attorneys for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson to delay all his depositions in connection with lawsuits filed by 22 women who have accused him of sexual assault and harassment. During a court hearing Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, defense attorney Rusty Hardin asked that depositions be delayed until the end of a criminal investigation. (AP Photo/Justin Rex File)
Judge: Deshaun Watson depositions can begin in assault suits

By Juan A. Lozano Feb. 22, 2022 12:52 PM EST

Miami Dolphins General Manager Chris Grier talks to the media before practice at Baptist Health Training Complex in Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida, in preparation for their game against the Houston Texans at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.(David Santiago/Miami Herald via AP)
Dolphins say they were doing 'due diligence' on Watson

By Tim Reynolds Nov. 03, 2021 12:39 PM EDT

FILE- In an Aug. 2, 2021 file photo, Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson practices with the team during NFL football practice in Houston. Attorneys involved in the lawsuits accusing Watson of sexual assault and harassment say the FBI has become involved in the case. Tony Buzbee, the attorney for the 22 women who have sued Watson, said Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021 he and some of his clients have spoken with FBI agents about the allegations against Watson.(AP Photo/Justin Rex_file)
Attorney: FBI probing allegations tied to Texans quarterback

By Juan A. Lozano Aug. 18, 2021 03:25 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 27, 2020, file photo, Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Houston. Lawyers fighting sexual assault allegations against Watson face a predicament: Defending their client means working to discredit the claims of 22 women who are more likely to be believed in the #MeToo era. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson, File)
Texans QB’s sex assault cases highlight concerns amid #MeToo

By Juan A. Lozano Aug. 07, 2021 10:53 AM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 27, 2020, file photo, Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Houston. One of the 22 women who have filed lawsuits accusing Watson of sexual assault and harassment has dropped her case, citing privacy and security concerns after some of the women were ordered to make their names public following court hearings recently. In court documents filed late Tuesday, April 13, 2021, the woman's attorney, Tony Buzbee, said she "reserves the right to refile the case once such concerns are addressed." (AP Photo/Matt Patterson, File)
Attorney: Accusations against Texans QB based on lies

By Juan A. Lozano Apr. 19, 2021 04:57 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 27, 2020, file photo, Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Houston. One of the 22 women who have filed lawsuits accusing Watson of sexual assault and harassment has dropped her case, citing privacy and security concerns after some of the women were ordered to make their names public following court hearings recently. In court documents filed late Tuesday, April 13, 2021, the woman's attorney, Tony Buzbee, said she "reserves the right to refile the case once such concerns are addressed." (AP Photo/Matt Patterson, File)
1 Texans QB accuser drops suit, citing privacy, security

By Juan A. Lozano Apr. 14, 2021 05:07 PM EDT