The lawyer representing over two-dozen message therapists who have accused Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct in civil lawsuits says all but four of the cases are being settled.
The announcement came from the attorney, Houston-based lawyer Tony Buzbee, late on Tuesday morning.
"Today I announce that all cases against Deshaun Watson, with the exception of four, have been settled. We are working through the paperwork related to those settlements. Once we have done so, those particular cases will be dismissed. The terms of amounts of those settlements is confidential. We won't comment further on the settlements or those cases."
According to Buzbee, former massage therapist Ashley Solis was among the accusers who was not settling. She was one of the first accusers to tell her story publicly and later appeared on HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumble."
Buzbee also suggested there was no specific timeline for proceedings in the unsettled cases.
"As stated, Ashley Solis is one of the heroes of this story. Her case has not settled and thus her story and that of the other three brave women will continue. I look forward to trying these cases in due course, consistent with other docket obligations and the court's schedule."
The development comes with Watson's case reportedly soon to be considered under the NFL's personal conduct policy. A recent Washington Post report indicated the league was hoping to have the process of a potential suspension and appeal wrapped up by the start of training camps late next month. The league was said to be seeking a one-year suspension of the 26-year-old former Clemson star.
Watson has been participating in Browns offseason workouts since the team acquired him from the Houston Texans via trade in March, a year after the allegations first surfaced.
The three-time Pro Bowler has maintained his innocence throughout, admitting to consensual sexual encounters with some of the women while claiming others were fabricated.
Additional alleged accusers have come forth in recent weeks, reportedly bringing the total number of complainants to 26.
Two grand juries in Texas declined to indict Watson following criminal complaints and subsequent investigations in Harris and Brazoria counties.
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