CLEVELAND (WJW) — The FOX 8 I-Team has confirmed that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has settled 20 of 24 civil lawsuits from massage therapists alleging sexual misconduct against him.
Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents the 24 women, released the following statement:
“The cases against Deshaun Watson started with one phone call, from one brave and strong woman. That woman was Ashley Solis. At the time of that call she was just one of the hundreds of calls seeking legal assistance that our firm gets weekly. Even though she was originally turned away by our screening process, my staff insisted that I personally speak with her. I’m glad she persisted. Once we took a second look, and after having contact with Watson’s original lawyer who disrespected Ashley and her profession and who arrogantly minimized the conduct of someone he referred to as an “asset,” I was convinced that our law firm should try to help her. As a result of Ashley’s lone but brave voice, soon many women who had allegedly experienced the same conduct were emboldened to step forward. I am incredibly proud to represent them all. They have endured vile criticism and fanatical ignorance. They faced withering cross examination by skilled litigators and stood firm. They are warriors all. Today we have an important announcement about these cases, but it is important to point out that, without Ashley Solis, the conduct experienced by these women would likely have continued unfettered. The truth is, without her courage and willingness to come forward, the NFL wouldn’t currently be contemplating discipline; there would be no examination of how teams might knowingly or unknowingly enable certain behavior; sports teams wouldn’t be reviewing their personnel screening processes; and this important story wouldn’t have dominated the sports headlines for more than a year.
Tony Buzbee
Today I announce that all cases against Deshaun Watson, with the exception of four, have settled. We are working through the paperwork related to those settlements. Once we have done so, those particular cases will be dismissed. The terms and amounts of the settlements are confidential. We won’t comment further on the settlements or those 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.”
Watson and his legal team have denied all the allegations alleged in the lawsuits.
The NFL is also investigating Watson. They issued the following statement Tuesday:
“Today’s development has no impact on the collectively bargained disciplinary process.”
A grand jury in Harris County, Texas, previously decided not to indict Watson on any criminal charges in the case. A grand jury in another county in Texas also declined to indict Watson on any criminal charges.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
