(SportsRadio 610) - A Harris County judge ruled in favor of women accusing Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct, requiring him to testify in depositions for civil cases that don't involve criminal investigations.
Rusty Hardin, Watson's attorney, argued Monday that it would be unfair to his client to be deposed in civil court, while there are open criminal investigations. Hardin said he expected a grand jury decision on the criminal complaints by April 1.
But only eight of the 22 plaintiffs have filed with Houston police, meaning the other 14 can depose Watson without a grand jury resolution. Nine of those 14 have already been deposed by Watson's attorneys, and can have Watson speak under oath as soon as Hardin (who is currently in trial on a separate matter) is available.
The judge ruled that the eight plaintiffs who also filed criminal complaints can proceed with Watson's deposition after April 1, when Hardin expects a decision by the grand jury.
SportsRadio 610 alum Mike Meltser, who is also an attorney, live tweeted coverage from the court proceedings Monday.
So, how does all of this affect the Texans, who would like to trade Watson as soon as possible?
The further dates are pushed back into the NFL's calendar year, the more likely a trade market for Watson remains stagnant. He already sat out a full season while taking a spot on the active roster, without a suspension, and has asked to be traded by the Texans.
Watson signed a four-year, $156 million contract extension with the Texans in the summer of 2020. His $35 million salary for 2022 is already guaranteed; the salary and roster bonus worth $37 million for 2023 is guaranteed by March 20.
The NFL Draft begins April 28.
A reunion between Watson and the Texans is unlikely, but can't be outright ruled out until he's no longer on the team. It's an awkward mess for them to navigate, given both sides have clearly moved on.
But they remain at the mercy of the painfully slow-moving legal systems. Trade talks with the Miami Dolphins broke down last year after owner Stephen Ross said Watson's cases needed to be resolved. New York Giants CEO John Mara recently said he would not consider trading for Watson with the allegations out there.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio and head coach Lovie Smith have indicated the legal process playing itself out dictates the decisions made in a Watson trade.
Expect Watson in the next couple of weeks to be deposed in the civil cases and has Hardin mentioned Monday, an important date on the criminal cases is April 1, when he expects a decision from the grand jury.