CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Civil cases against Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will not go to trial during the 2022 season according to multiple reports, however one trial could take place this summer.
Fox 8's I-Team first reported that the attorneys representing Watson and the 22 plaintiffs, who accuse Watson of sexual misconduct during therapeutic massage appointments, agreed not to hold trials between August 2022 and March 2023 clearing the way for Watson to focus on the upcoming season.
Attorney Tony Buzbee, who is representing the alleged victims, told Fox-8 that he is pushing for a trial in one of the cases to begin in July.
Watson, who met the women through social media, has denied the allegations made against him.
Thursday, two accusers added negligence and gross negligence to their lawsuits and more are expected to follow Buzbee told Fox 8.
A judge also ruled on Tuesday that Watson must say if he had sex with 18 other therapists who came forward to vouch for his character and said he did not act inappropriately or unprofessionally during their appointments.
Watson, who the Texans traded last month to the Browns, was also instructed by the judge to provide other information about his massage history since 2019, including any language in his contract with the Texans about massage therapy.
Watson faces potential discipline from the NFL, who is investigating the allegations, under the league's conduct policy.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said there was no timetable for the league to conclude their probe and make a determination on Watson for the 2022 season at the league's owners meetings last month.
