Deshaun Watson timeline: QB makes Browns debut vs. Texans

Content warning: This story contains details about alleged sexual abuse. The content may be difficult to read and emotionally upsetting.

Following nearly a year and a half of accusations, denial, legal wrangling and speculation, Deshaun Watson is back on the football field.

After he was accused of sexual assault and misconduct by more than 20 women, the Browns quarterback and the NFL agreed to an 11-game suspension, $5 million fine and mandatory counseling on August 18, 2022. He made his regular season debut for the Browns in Week 13 against the Texans, his former team.

Sue L. Robinson — the former federal judge appointed by the NFL and NFL Players Association to decide Watson’s punishment — initially suggested a six-game ban to begin the 2022 season, but the NFL exercised its right to appeal the punishment, creating the possibility of a longer suspension. The two sides agreed to a settlement before former New Jersey attorney general Peter C. Harvey, who was overseeing the appeals process, made a final decision.

Watson, 26, sat out the 2021 season while collecting his full salary and waiting for the Texans to trade him. He was traded from Houston to Cleveland this spring before signing a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal with the Browns.

This evolving, complicated situation can be difficult to track. To understand how things got to where they are, check out the below timeline, which will be updated as new information emerges.

Jan. 10, 2023: Watson must sit for lawsuit deposition

A Texas state court judge ruled Watson must sit for a deposition within 90 days in a lawsuit brought by Ikea Roberts, a masseuse who alleges in her complaint Watson harassed her during a 2020 massage and pressured her into oral sex.

Dec. 4, 2022: Watson makes Browns debut vs. Texans

With his 11-game suspension over, Watson made his regular season debut for the Browns in Houston against the Texans, his former team. It marked his first regular-season action since Week 17 of the 2020 season when the Texans lost 41-38 to the Titans. Watson sat out the entire 2021 season while being paid his full salary and waiting for the Texans to trade him.

Nov. 16, 2022: Watson returns to Browns practice

Watson returned to Browns practice on Wednesday. He previously had to stop practicing with the team when his suspension began at the end of the preseason.

Watson was a full participant in the Browns’ offseason program and opened training camp as the first-team quarterback. But after Watson started the preseason opener, Jacoby Brissett served as the Browns’ top quarterback for the rest of the summer.

Nov. 2, 2022: Watson will start vs. Texans in Week 13, GM Andrew Berry says

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry told reporters during the Browns’ bye week that he expects Watson will start against the Texans in Week 13, the first game in which he’s eligible to play.

Watson was allowed back in the Browns’ facility in October, meaning he had fulfilled his end of the requirements set forth by the NFL as part of his reinstatement agreement. His reentry has allowed him to attend meetings and work out on his own. His first practice with the team will be on Nov. 16.

Oct. 13, 2022: Watson facing new lawsuit alleging sexual misconduct

Watson is facing a new civil lawsuit in Harris County, Texas, according to court records. A massage therapist alleges in the suit that Watson pressured her into oral sex during a session in December 2020.

Including this latest one, a total of 26 civil lawsuits have now been filed against Watson. One of the suits was dropped when a judge required most of the women bringing the suits to reveal their names.

Houston attorney Tony Buzbee represented the plaintiffs in all previous lawsuits against Watson, all but one of which has been settled. The latest complaint filed, however, was submitted by Houston attorneys Anissah Nguyen and Michelle Kornblith, who do not work for Buzbee’s firm.

Oct. 10, 2022: Watson permitted to return to Browns facilty

Watson is allowed back into the Browns’ facility in the midst of his 11-game suspension following accusations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct by more than 20 massage therapists. He can’t practice with the team, but can participate in on-site rehab, meet with non-football staff, attend meeting and meet with head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Aug. 18, 2022: Watson, NFL agree to 11-game suspension

The NFL has increased Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s suspension to 11 games, with a $5 million fine and mandatory counseling.

Watson’s first game back is set to be against his former team, the Houston Texans, on Dec. 4. He has not played in a regular season game since the 2020 season.

Aug. 10, 2022: Watson to start Friday

The Browns announced Wednesday that Watson will start Friday’s preseason opener against the Jaguars, along with most of the team’s starters.

That is, barring a ruling on the NFL’s appeal before then. Roger Goodell said Tuesday there remains no timeline for that decision.

Aug. 5, 2022: NFLPA responds to appeal

The NFLPA filed its reply brief to the league’s appeal of Watson’s six-game suspension, they announced Friday.

The players’ union had until midnight to respond in writing to the appeal, which will reportedly be heard by former New Jersey attorney general Peter C. Harvey.

Aug. 4, 2022: Goodell won’t hear appeal, tabs Peter C. Harvey

Former New Jersey attorney general Peter C. Harvey will hear the NFL’s appeal of Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension, according to reports.

Under the rules of the 2020 CBA, commissioner Roger Goodell had the choice to preside over the appeal himself or appoint someone else. He chose Harvey, who served as a federal prosecutor with expertise in criminal law, including domestic violence and sexual assault.

Harvey has advised the NFL previously on matters involving the personal conduct policy, including being part of a committee that reviewed Ezekiel Elliott’s case in 2017. Goodell, who held the final say on punishments under the CBA at the time, ultimately suspended Elliott for six games.

Aug. 3, 2022: NFL will appeal 6-game suspension

The NFL announced it will appeal Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension, the punishment given by arbiter Sue L. Robinson that was announced two days earlier.

According to a statement from the league, Commissioner Roger Goodell will determine who will hear the appeal. As stipulated by the collective bargaining agreement signed in 2020, Goodell can hear the appeal himself or choose someone else to do so.

The NFL had recommended Watson be suspended for the 2022 season and not permitted to return unless he satisfies conditions imposed for reinstatement. Robinson wrote, in justification of her decision, that the league “is attempting to impose a more dramatic shift in its culture without the benefit of fair notice to — and consistency of consequence for — those in the NFL subject to the (personal conduct) policy.”

Aug. 1, 2022: Robinson proposes 6-game suspension

Deshaun Watson is in line to be suspended six games in the 2022 season for violating terms of the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

The proposal was handed down by the NFL and NFL Players Association’s appointed disciplinary officer, Sue L. Robinson, after weeks of deliberation following a hearing with Watson in July. The NFL and Watson have three days to appeal, though Watson and the NFLPA have signaled that they will accept Robinson’s proposal.

Attorney Tony Buzbee announced Monday that Watson has settled three of the four outstanding civil suits against him, including with Ashley Solis, the first woman to come forward with accusations against the quarterback.

July 15, 2022: Texans settle with 30 women

The Houston Texans reached settlements with 30 women who made, or intended to make, claims accusing Watson of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, attorney Tony Buzbee said. Buzbee represents the 24 women who have filed civil lawsuits against Watson. The terms of the settlements, including the amount paid to each woman, are confidential, Buzbee said.

The Texans released a statement shortly after news of the settlement was released, saying that they were shocked when they first became aware of the allegations, but that this settlement is in no way an admission of any misconduct on the part of the team.

June 27, 2022: Watson accuser sues Texans for negligence

One of the women accusing Watson of sexual assault and misconduct during a massage session has filed a lawsuit against the Houston Texans alleging negligence from the team. The suit filed by Tony Buzbee, the attorney who represents all 24 women who have sued Watson for sexual assault and misconduct, alleges the Texans “knew or should have known of Watson’s conduct” and enabled it.

The suit contains claims, which were first made public in an article from the New York Times, that Watson asked several of the therapists to sign a non-disclosure agreement he received from a Texans staff member and that the team indirectly arranged for some of the massages to happen at The Houstonian Hotel by securing a membership for the quarterback.

The suit also claims that the owner of the company contracted to provide massage therapy for the Texans, Genuine Touch, stated concern to the team about Watson seeking massages via Instagram.

The suit also claims Genuine Touch’s massage therapists “were well aware of what they described as Watson’s ‘sketchiness’ and attempts to push boundaries.”

June 21, 2022: Watson settles 20 civil lawsuits

Settlements have been reached in 20 of 24 civil lawsuits involving sexual misconduct and assault allegations against Watson, according to Tony Buzbee, the lawyer for the plaintiffs.

The 24 women filed lawsuits against Watson over the course of the last 15 months, accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct during massage appointments.

The lawsuits of Ashley Solis, who was the first woman to file suit against Watson, and three others will continue, Buzbee said.

Watson still faces a possible suspension from the NFL as the league investigates the allegations. The settlements have “no impact on the collectively bargained disciplinary process,” the NFL said in a statement.

June 14, 2022: Watson speaks with reporters, denies allegations

Speaking to reporters for the first time since March 26, Watson again denied sexual misconduct allegations brought against him by more than 20 accusers in civil lawsuits.

“I never assaulted, disrespected or harassed anyone,” Watson said.

Watson said he doesn’t believe the New York Times’ report that he used 66 massage therapists during a 17-month period was accurate.

Watson also said he regretted stating he had “no regrets” during his introductory news conference with the Browns in March, a comment that “triggered a lot of people.” But he continued to maintain he’s being wrongly accused.

June 8, 2022: Texans to be added as defendants in lawsuits against Watson

Tony Buzbee, the 24 plaintiffs’ attorney, said in a statement that the Houston Texans were being added to the lawsuits.

“Based on what we have learned from the Houston Police Department, we will soon be joining the Houston Texans organization and others as defendants in the ongoing lawsuits against Deshaun Watson,” the statement read.

Buzbee cited details from Tuesday’s New York Times report and said the team “facilitated Deshaun Watson’s conduct.”

“In many cases the Texans provided an opportunity for this conduct to occur,” the statement reads. “We believe the Texans organization was well aware of Watson’s issues, but failed to act. They knew or certainly should’ve known.”

The Texans told the NYT via a statement that they first learned of the allegations against Watson in March 2021, have cooperated with investigators and “will continue to do so.”

June 7, 2022: Watson reportedly booked with 66 massage therapists in 17-month period

Despite publicly saying he worked with about 40 massage therapists, Watson booked massage appointments with 66 women from 2019 through 2021, according to a report from the New York Times.

The report contains accounts from some of those therapists that suggest the quarterback engaged in questionable behavior when seeking massages.

According to the report, Watson asked several of the therapists to sign an N.D.A. he received from a Texans staff member, and in his deposition he said the team arranged for some of the massages to happen at “a place” at The Houstonian, a hotel and spa in Houston. Per the Times, “he used the fitness club, dined there and also set up massages in hotel rooms.”

June 6, 2022: Watson facing 24th lawsuit after latest misconduct claim

Watson is the subject of a 24th active civil lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, according to Harris County court records.

The plaintiff in the suit filed is also represented by attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents 23 other women suing Watson.

Per the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that Watson exposed himself, began masturbating and ejaculated on her after making sexually suggestive comments during a massage session. The plaintiff decided to come forward with the allegations after reading that Watson “proclaims that he has no regrets and has done nothing wrong.”

May 31, 2022: Watson facing 23rd active civil lawsuit of sexual assault and sexual misconduct

Watson is the subject of a 23rd active civil suit accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, according to Harris County court records.

Nia Smith, the complainant in the latest case, is represented by attorney Buzbee, like all other women suing Watson in civil court.

According to the complaint, Smith, a cosmetologist, had three massage appointments with Watson. The suit accuses Watson of groping Smith, exposing himself and repeatedly making sexually suggestive comments.

March 24, 2022: Brazoria County grand jury declines to indict Watson

A second grand jury declined to file charges against Watson, the Brazoria County district attorney’s office confirmed. Watson still faces 22 active civil suits accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct in massage appointments.

March 24, 2022: Grand jury in Brazoria County meeting to review complaint against Watson

A grand jury in Brazoria County, south of Houston, is meeting to decide if charges will be filed against Watson, Tony Buzbee, the attorney for the complainant, confirmed to The Athletic.

The latest proceedings are occurring nearly two weeks after a grand jury in Harris County, which includes Houston, didn’t indict Watson on criminal charges related to sexual misconduct allegations against him. Harris County presented nine complaints against Watson to that grand jury.

Watson still faces 22 active civil suits accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct in massage appointments.

March 20, 2022: Browns ownership statement

Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam distributed the following statement in the wake of their organization’s trade for Deshaun Watson:

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 20, 2022

March 18, 2022: Texans trade Watson to the Browns

The Texans traded Watson to the Browns for a 2022 first-round draft pick, 2023 first- and third-round picks and 2024 first- and fourth-round picks, Houston announced Friday. Cleveland also receives a 2024 fifth-round draft pick as part of the trade.

Watson hasn’t played since the 2020 season after being accused of sexual assault and sexual misconduct. The Texans paid Watson for the 2021 season, but he was inactive for every game last season. The quarterback was cleared of criminal charges related to the sexual misconduct allegations against him last week by a grand jury in Harris County, Texas.

Watson still faces 22 active civil suits accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, but the grand jury’s decision not to prosecute eliminated one barrier for the teams considering a deal for Watson.

March 11, 2022: Watson will not face criminal charges on allegations of sexual assault, misconduct

Watson was cleared by a grand jury of criminal charges related to the sexual misconduct allegations against him in Harris County.

Watson still faces 22 active civil suits accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, but the Harris County District Attorney’s Office’s decision not to prosecute eliminates one barrier for teams considering trading for Watson, who has not played for Houston since requesting a trade during the 2021 offseason. The 22 active civil suits allege Watson forced two women to perform oral sex, ejaculated on three women and in front of three others, groped four women and kissed another woman unprompted upon arrival for a massage appointment. Eighteen of the 22 active suits accuse Watson of inappropriately touching women with his penis during massage therapy sessions.

March 8, 2022: Grand jury to meet March 11 regarding Watson

A grand jury is expected to convene Friday to decide if charges will be filed against Watson, who still faces 22 active civil suits accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct.

Watson is also scheduled to be deposed on Friday in relation to some of those civil suits but is expected to plead the fifth amendment, according to a statement from Buzbee, the lawyer for several of Watson’s accusers.

Nov. 2, 2021: Deshaun Watson trade won’t happen in-season

Deshaun Watson will be staying with the Houston Texans past the trade deadline. The Dolphins won’t trade for the Texans quarterback before Tuesday’s deadline expires, according to a source.

The Athletic’s Jeff Howe reported “it had been shaping up this way for quite some time” on Watson not moving to the Dolphins. Miami wanted Watson’s legal situation to be resolved to finalize a trade, according to sources. That still isn’t close to happening, so a trade was never likely today before the deadline. The Carolina Panthers, who were also originally mentioned as potential trade partners, were reported to no longer be in the mix two weeks ago.

Watson hasn’t played for the Texans at all in 2021 amid investigations by the FBI, Houston police and the NFL regarding Watson, who faces 22 civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct and sexual assault. At least 10 women, including two who have not filed civil lawsuits, have filed police complaints against Watson. He has denied all allegations.

Oct. 26, 2021: Roger Goodell says league is still determining if Watson should go on commissioner’s exempt list

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league is still determining whether or not Deshaun Watson should go on the commissioner’s exempt list, adding the league is adamant about not interfering with investigations into allegations that Watson committed sexual misconduct and sexual assault.

“There obviously are other legal approaches that are being made, either through the civil cases,” Goodell said at the NFL owners meetings on Tuesday. “Obviously the police have been investigating also. We don’t have all the access to that information at this point in time, and we pride ourselves on not interfering in that, being as cooperative as we can to make sure we get all the facts.

“But I think that process is still ongoing, and until that process isn’t ongoing and we have enough data and enough information to be able to make a determination of whether he should go on commissioner exempt, we don’t feel we have that necessary information at this point.”

Trade discussions between the Texans and the Dolphins regarding Watson have picked up. The Panthers are expected to be involved in trade talks as well. The trade deadline is Nov. 2.

Oct. 24, 2021: Panthers expected to enter trade talks

The Carolina Panthers are expected to be involved in trade talks for Watson, league and team sources tell The Athletic.

After news surfaced of the Texans’ talks with the Miami Dolphins regarding Watson growing serious, the Panthers maintained publicly and privately that they would not be factors for the Houston quarterback, subject to change. That changed Sunday. After the Panthers benched Sam Darnold early in the fourth quarter of a 25-3 loss to the Giants, sources say they expect the Panthers to be involved in the Watson conversation leading to the trade deadline, which is Nov. 2.

Oct. 20, 2021: Deshaun Watson trade discussions ‘serious,’ but deal not imminent

The Texans continue to engage in trade conversations regarding Watson, with one source characterizing discussions with the Miami Dolphins as serious. Multiple other sources told The Athletic a deal did not appear to be imminent. In addition to the Dolphins, the Texans had recent discussions with the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles, according to sources. However, the seriousness of those discussions — ranging from a casual conversation to actual trade negotiations — hadn’t been disclosed.

Watson, who has a no-trade clause, has been inactive for all six games this season. He has requested a trade but has continuously reported to the Texans’ facility to work out apart from the team.

The trade deadline is Nov. 2.

Aug. 18, 2021: Watson has met with FBI but not NFL, lawyer says

Watson has met with investigators from the FBI but not the NFL, his attorney, Rusty Hardin, said at a news conference Wednesday.

Hardin said Watson, who is facing 22 civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct and sexual assault, has yet to meet NFL investigators because the league does not want to interfere in current criminal investigations. The attorney representing those 22 women, Tony Buzbee, confirmed to The Athletic on Aug. 13 that 10 of them had met with NFL investigators and that an 11th was scheduled to do so.

Hardin confirmed that the FBI is investigating the allegations against Watson, as Buzbee first revealed in an interview with the website League Of Justice on Tuesday.

“Until yesterday, I did not know that they were also apparently — and I have no reason to doubt this — investigating Mr. Buzbee’s allegations,” Hardin said. “Well, I’m glad to hear they are. I wasn’t aware of it, but we wouldn’t be aware of it. They wouldn’t tell us. They’re conducting a private investigation.”

Hardin also said the FBI is investigating whether one of the women suing Watson attempted to extort him. According to Hardin, the FBI contacted his office about the matter in April, after which point Watson made himself available to investigators.

In an interview with The Athletic, Buzbee denied the FBI is investigating any of his clients for extortion.

“That’s ridiculous and he knows it,” Buzbee said of Hardin’s claim. “He’s just trying to deflect.”

The FBI would not confirm or deny the existence of any investigations involving Watson.

In addition to the FBI, Hardin said he’s had one meeting with the Harris County District Attorney’s office regarding Watson. At least 10 women have filed criminal complaints against Watson with Houston Police Department, including two who are not suing him in civil court.

“The prosecutor has told us from the beginning that ultimately when the investigation is over, their findings will be presented to a grand jury,” Hardin said. “We will be given the opportunity to tell our side, and we will get an even-handed hearing.”

Watson, who requested a trade in January, reported to Texans camp to avoid daily fines but has been a limited participant in practice. Watson has not been on the field for practices with the team this week. Head coach David Culley said Tuesday that Watson is not injured and is participating in team meetings.

“Deshaun is here,” Culley said. “Again, every day he’s here, he comes in, he works. He does what we ask him to do, and he’s here every day and he’s doing fine.”

Aug. 13, 2021: NFL interviews 10 plaintiffs accusing Watson of sexual assault

The NFL has interviewed 10 of the plaintiffs accusing Watson of sexual assault and sexual misconduct as part of its investigation into the matter, Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing 22 of the clients that have filed civil suits against Watson, confirmed.

As the NFL’s investigation into the allegations against Watson proceeds, the 25-year-old who has requested a trade continues to participate in Texans training camp with “no restrictions,” according to the league.

July 27, 2021: NFL says ‘no restrictions’ on Watson as investigation continues

There are currently “no restrictions” on quarterback Deshaun Watson’s participation in Houston Texans activities, the NFL said in a statement to The Athletic. The league continues to investigate sexual assault and misconduct allegations against him.

The NFL also said it is working with the Houston Police Department and “ensuring that the NFL’s inquiry does not interfere with their investigation.”

A league source told The Athletic that the NFL has not been given access to speak to many of the plaintiffs of the 22 civil lawsuits filed against Watson, or to relevant third parties. The league also does not yet have access to evidence gathered by police, whose criminal investigation is ongoing.

Watson reported to Texans training camp on July 25 and participated in practice on July 28, but is still requesting a trade.

July 26, 2021: Number of women to file police complaints against Watson at 10

Ten women have filed police complaints against Watson, a spokesperson for the office of Watson’s lawyer, Rusty Hardin, confirmed to The Athletic.

Eight of the women are among the 22 who have filed civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault and misconduct, the spokesperson confirmed. Two women who reported complaints to Houston police have not filed civil lawsuits against Watson. The Houston Police Department confirmed an investigation is ongoing but declined to comment on the number of complainants.

Watson reported to Texans training camp on July 25, though he has still requested a trade, a source told The Athletic .

May 21, 2021: Attorney for Texans owner Cal McNair tried to mediate

The personal attorney for Texans owner Cal McNair attempted to broker a mediation between the legal teams for Watson and the 22 women suing the quarterback in civil court on allegations of sexual misconduct and sexual assault.

Sports Illustrated first reported the news Friday, with the Texans confirming it to The Athletic.

“Mr. McNair was aware that his personal attorney contacted both parties to suggest mediation,” the team said in its statement to SI. “Mr. McNair has had no personal involvement in any of those discussions. The Houston Texans organization has not had any direct contact with either party.”

Prior to this, the Texans’ only other statement on the matter said the team would “stay in close contact” with the NFL as it investigated the matter.

April 29, 2021: Roger Goodell speaks out about lawsuits, NFL investigation

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell spoke publicly for the first time about Deshaun Watson’s sexual assault lawsuits during ESPN’s pre-NFL Draft broadcast Thursday night.

“We take that very seriously,” Goodell said of the allegations facing the Texans quarterback. “Those are very concerning to us.”

The NFL launched an investigation into the allegations just days after the first lawsuit was filed against Watson. ESPN’s Mike Greenberg asked Goodell where the investigation stood.

“We’re obviously following that and looking at that ourselves, independently,” Goodell said. “There are important steps that we will be taking as part of our personal conduct policy. When we get to that point, we will certainly make a decision.”

April 16, 2021: Watson’s attorney files 7-page legal response

Watson’s lawyers filed their response on Monday to the 22 civil lawsuits accusing the quarterback of sexual assault and misconduct, denying all allegations and specifically attacking the credibility of 16 plaintiffs.

According to the seven-page response, eight plaintiffs “bragged about, praised and were excited about massaging” Watson; seven “willingly worked or offered to work” with him again; three “lied about the number of sessions” they had with him in their original complaints; three “lied about their alleged trauma and resulting harm;” five “told others they wanted to get money” from Watson and five have “scrubbed or entirely deleted” social media accounts they used to promote their businesses.

Watson’s legal team, led by lawyer Rusty Hardin, cites friends and family members of the plaintiffs, as well as security guards at various spas, in its claims. But the response does not name anyone other than Watson and the plaintiffs.

Twenty-two of the 23 women who have sued Watson originally filed their lawsuits as Jane Does. After state district Judges Dedra Davis and Rabeea Sultan Collier ruled that 12 previously unidentified plaintiffs had to attach their names to their suits, 11 did so and one stopped pursuing her case. The remaining plaintiffs voluntarily identified themselves — including one woman who filed a new suit, the 23rd against Watson — after those judges’ rulings.

“In the few days since Mr. Watson has learned the identity of his accusers, his legal team has already uncovered evidence that numerous allegations in this onslaught of cases are simply not true or accurate,” Watson’s legal team writes in its response.

The 22 active civil suits allege Watson forced two women to perform oral sex, ejaculated on three women and in front of three others, groped four women and kissed another woman unprompted upon arrival for a massage appointment. Eighteen of the 22 active suits accuse Watson of inappropriately touching women with his penis during massage therapy sessions.

Prior to the judges’ rulings, Hardin criticized Buzbee for not releasing the names of plaintiffs, impeding Hardin’s efforts to investigate the allegations. In court, Buzbee offered to release the names of women confidentially, out of privacy and security concerns, but Hardin argued that making the names public could result in people coming forward with relevant information about Watson’s accusers.

Hardin has alleged that, in some instances, Watson had consensual sex with plaintiffs, but he has declined to detail “the nature, the numbers or with whom.”

“These lawsuits are replete with mischaracterizations of Mr. Watson’s conduct,” Hardin’s team wrote in the response. “These range from being misleading, to fraudulent, to slanderous. Importantly, only two of the 22 lawsuits allege that Mr. Watson forced any type of sexual activity — an allegation Mr. Watson again vehemently denies. And even at this early stage of the litigation, the evidence obtained by the defense clearly supports Mr. Watson’s denial of these allegations of force.”

The NFL is investigating Watson for a potential violation of its personal conduct policy, and the Houston Police Department is investigating at least two criminal complaints against Watson, according to a response to an open records request.

April 15, 2021: Plaintiff identifies herself, bringing total to 22

An additional woman identified herself in court filings Thursday, bringing the total number of women who have attached their names to their suits to 22.

One plaintiff dropped her case, citing privacy and security concerns after two district judges ordered she and 12 other plaintiffs had to refile with their names attached. But another woman filed a brand new suit against Watson on Wednesday, with her name included in her original complaint. Prior to that latest suit, all of the women who filed suit against Watson originally did so as Jane Does. Though the judges’ rulings only pertained to 13 plaintiffs, the rest identified themselves voluntarily.

April 14, 2021: Twenty women ID themselves in court filings; another woman files suit against Watson

On the same day that 20 women identified themselves as plaintiffs in suits accusing Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct and sexual assault, another woman filed a civil lawsuit against the Texans quarterback, making similar accusations and attaching her name to the complaint.

An additional woman is expected to identify herself by Thursday after a Wednesday afternoon hearing on the matter was called off, according to a spokesperson for Watson’s legal team.

All 22 of Watson’s accusers originally filed their civil complaints as Jane Does, and one has now elected not to pursue her case, citing privacy and security concerns.

State district judges Dedra Davis and Rabeea Sultan Collier ruled Friday that 12 previously unidentified women had to attach their names to their suits, and another agreed to do so in advance of a similar hearing on the matter. Two other Watson accusers, Ashley Solis and Lauren Baxley, had already come forward publicly, leaving seven anonymous plaintiffs entering the weekend.

Prior to and during the hearings, Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, said his team had been unable to investigate allegations against Watson because opposing counsel Tony Buzbee was withholding the women’s identities. Buzbee on Friday offered to release the names confidentially, but Hardin argued that the accusers being public could allow people to come forward with useful information about the women.

“It appears the Watson team thinks that if these courageous women are forced to identify themselves, they would slink away and not pursue this matter,” Buzbee said in a statement. “Watson and his counsel badly miscalculated. Due to the bravery of Ashley Solis to come forward publicly, and despite the death threats she has experienced, these women are emboldened.”

April 9, 2021: Judges rule 13 plaintiffs must identify themselves and refile cases

Thirteen of the 22 women accusing Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct and sexual assault must resubmit their civil lawsuits with their names attached to them, two Harris County judges ruled Friday. An additional woman agreed to have her name attached to her suit later on Friday, and another came forward earlier in the week, leaving seven anonymous accusers.

Judge Dedra Davis of the 270th district court ruled on one case, and Judge Rabeea Sultan Collier of the 113th district court oversaw a hearing pertaining to 12 additional women, including Ashley Solis, the first woman to sue Watson. Solis identified herself as one of the plaintiffs in a press conference earlier this week.

Attorney Tony Buzbee said nine of his 12 clients involved in the latter hearing, including Solis, would voluntarily identify themselves. Judge Collier ruled the other three women must also identify themselves if they wished to proceed with their civil suits.

A woman agreed to have her name attached to her suit later on Friday, leaving seven anonymous accusers after two additional women agreed to come forward earlier in the week. A third hearing, which was scheduled for Friday afternoon, was canceled after a 14th woman agreed to attach her name to her complaint. Buzbee and Hardin agreed to consolidate all future pre-trail matters for the 22 lawsuits under the 113th civil court, where the first case was filed.

Watson’s lawyer, Rusty Hardin, has lambasted Buzbee for not offering up the names of Watson’s accusers. Hardin has said it has impeded his team’s effort to investigate the accusations.

In filings submitted Thursday and in hearings Friday, Hardin cited two Texas Rules of Civil Procedure that prohibit using a pseudonym to file a civil lawsuit. One requires plaintiffs to state their names if they are known. The other requires the defense to receive fair notice of claims. In sexual assault cases, state law only offers minors an exception to these rules.

During both hearings and in his responsive filings, Buzbee suggested his clients could enter into a confidentiality or protective order rather than replead with her name attached to their complaints. He argued making the women’s names public will expose them to online harassment and could result in others with similar names being harassed as well.

“This is about protecting not only the Plaintiffs but society at large as well, preventing further harm to other individuals,” Buzbee’s team wrote in response to Hardin’s request for an emergency hearing. “Plaintiffs filed these lawsuits anonymously using pseudonyms as is their right. They did so to protect their privacy and safety and to protect themselves from further revictimization, trauma and humiliation that so often accompanies an assault and sexual assault, which is already occurring online and elsewhere. These victims’ privacy rights outweigh the presumption of openness.”

Hardin said during the hearing in front of the 113th district court that “Deshaun Watson is not responsible for third-party crazies out there.” He also said keeping the accusers’ names private would result in “a mountain of information we may not receive.” Hardin claimed his office received useful information about Solis and Baxley after they went public.

“Over two weeks, we tried to investigate these things privately,” said Hardin, who began representing Watson against these lawsuits in mid-March. “We couldn’t and shouldn’t have to.”

In her ruling, Judge Davis said the case has already taken on a high profile and that not revealing the names of the plaintiff won’t stop the public from speculating.

Hardin noted that Buzbee, who frequently posted about the case on social media, “is intent on conducting discovery by Facebook and trial by press conference.”

“In some respects, publicity and advocating for your clients through the media is pretty necessary,” said Dallas-based attorney Michelle Tuegel, who represented sexual abuse victims in lawsuits against USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar. “But how detailed of communication and the forum it’s being communicated in may have weighed in favor of the judge making this ruling. That’s the risk you run.”

Tuegel said the rulings could have a “chilling effect … not only in this case but other cases too.”

At a news conference on Friday afternoon, Hardin said he has not heard from the Houston Police Department regarding any criminal complaints filed against Watson and went on to say that he doesn’t know if more than one criminal complaint has been filed. Buzbee has previously said that up to two additional clients have reported Watson to police, but HPD has only announced one.

Hardin also said he has not heard from the NFL, which is investigating Watson for potentially violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Hardin intends to represent Watson in those matters as well.

Asked whether he’ll take all of these civil suits to trial, Hardin said “absolutely.” He claimed any sexual interactions Watson had with massage therapists were consensual.

“In some of these massages there’s going to be no question — we’ve never run from it — our first announcement has always been about consent, that on some occasions some active sexual activity would have taken place,” Hardin said. “I’m not going into what it is, the nature, the numbers or with whom. … We have always been emphasizing: Never at any time, under any circumstances … did this young man ever engage in anything that was not mutually desired by the other party.”

As for why Watson has worked with so many massage therapists — including 18 who supplied statements of support for Watson — Hardin pointed to the pandemic shutting down spas. He said Watson gets two to three massages per week and often can only schedule them at the last minute because of his busy schedule.

April 8, 2021: Watson’s lawyer files motion request plaintiff identify herself

Though two of the women suing Watson have come forward, another 20 remain anonymous. Hardin has repeatedly lambasted Buzbee, saying he has impeded efforts to investigate the allegations.

On Thursday, Hardin filed a motion requesting the court mandate one of the plaintiffs to identify herself. A spokesman for Hardin’s office said he’ll file a similar motion for all plaintiffs. A hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT Friday in the 113th district court.

“Because Plaintiff’s counsel filed the actions anonymously, Mr. Watson’s counsel can only speculate about Plaintiff’s identity,” Hardin writes in the filing. “Yet, it would be wildly irresponsible for Mr. Watson or his defense team to publicly speculate about it. The risk of being wrong is simply too high. A misidentified person would immediately and involuntarily be drawn into a public media frenzy. As such, if Mr. Watson is ever to have a chance at properly defending himself, he can no longer refrain from requesting that the Court mandate that Plaintiff identify herself as required by the law.”

In the motion, Hardin cites two Texas Rules of Civil Procedure that don’t allow civil lawsuits under a pseudonym. One requires plaintiffs to state their names if they are known. The other requires the defense to receive fair notice of claims. In sexual assault cases, state law only offers minors an exception to these rules.

The motion requests that the plaintiff replead and identify herself within two business days of Thursday’s filing. If the plaintiff fails to do so, the motion requests the court dismiss all claims.

“Mr. Watson’s answer to Ms. Doe’s lawsuit is due on April 19, 2021,” Hardin writes in the motion. “Due to plaintiff’s counsel’s repeated refusals to identify for Mr. Watson’s counsel the real name of Ms. Doe, Mr. Watson’s counsel cannot fully evaluate or plead his defenses to her claims.”

April 7, 2021: Watson loses multiple endorsement deals

Nike has suspended its endorsement deal with Watson, the company said Wednesday.

“We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and have suspended Deshaun Watson. We will continue to closely monitor the situation,” Nike said in a statement.

Hours after Nike’s announcement, Reliant Energy announced it, too, was severing ties with Watson. Reliant’s parent company, NRG, holds the naming rights to the Texans’ stadium

“Reliant is aware of pending civil lawsuits and a criminal investigation involving Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans quarterback,” Reliant told The Athletic in a statement. “Our relationship with Watson as a brand ambassador was scheduled to end this spring prior to these allegations, and there are no plans for future engagements or contracts with him. We take accusations of this nature very seriously.”

Also Wednesday, Texas-based grocer H-E-B said it had no plans to renew an endorsement deal with Watson and Beats by Dre reportedly ended its relationship with the quarterback.

The announcements come after 22 women filed lawsuits against Watson alleging sexual assault and sexual misconduct and one day after two women went public with their complaints, becoming the first plaintiffs to identify themselves.

April 6, 2021: Two women go public with Watson accusations

Two of the women suing Watson for sexual assault and sexual misconduct went public in a news conference at Buzbee’s downtown Houston office Tuesday.

Ashley Solis, who filed the first suit against Watson, read a prepared statement while seated next to Buzbee. Laura Baxley wrote a letter to Watson that was read by attorney Cornelia Brandfield-Harvey, an associate at Buzbee’s law firm. They’re the first of the 22 women suing Watson in civil court to identify themselves publicly. All plaintiffs have been kept anonymous in complaints up to this point, and Watson’s lawyer, Rusty Hardin, has accused Buzbee of withholding their identities to impede investigations into the allegations.

Both women accuse Watson of inappropriately exposing himself and touching them with his erect penis. Solis’ interaction with Watson allegedly occurred in March 2020. Baxley’s allegedly occurred in June 2020.

Shortly after the news conference, Hardin’s office released a statement claiming Buzbee sought a $100,000 settlement from Watson on Solis’ behalf before she filed her civil lawsuit. Hardin’s office also shared what it claimed to be an email exchange between Buzbee, Brandfield-Harvey and an attorney from Watson’s agency, Athletes First, that backs up the claim.

April 5, 2021: Buzbee files 22nd case against Watson

Like the previous 21 civil complaints, the latest civil lawsuit against Watson alleges he wore minimal covering over his naked body and aggressively directed the woman to massage his anus and groin.

The suit also alleges Watson groped the woman, touched her hand with his erect penis and told her he would not pay her unless she signed a non-disclosure agreement at the end of the session.

April 2, 2021: Watson under police investigation

Houston police are investigating Watson after a complainant filed a report regarding Watson on Friday. Police did not detail the nature of the report or the investigation.

“We welcome this long overdue development,” Rusty Hardin, Watson’s lawyer, said in a statement. “Now we will learn the identity of at least one accuser. We will fully cooperate with the Houston Police Department.”

Watson does not currently face criminal charges.

Buzbee, who to this point has filed 21 lawsuits on behalf of women accusing Watson of sexual assault and misconduct, said in a statement late Friday that he was aware the complaint was filed but was “not personally involved in the process.”

Buzbee previously wrote on Instagram that he would not take evidence against Watson to Houston Police, contradicting two prior statements, saying he would “go elsewhere to provide our evidence to investigative authorities.”

March 31, 2021: 18 massage therapists defend Watson

As the number of lawsuits accusing Watson of sexual assault and misconduct increased to 21, Hardin’s office released statements from 18 massage therapists who say the accusations are inconsistent with their experiences.

Hardin said his office has received “dozens of unsolicited phone calls, letters, emails and text messages” from professional massage therapists who have worked with Watson, saying they never felt uncomfortable or that he demanded anything outside the scope of a professional massage.

“The following 18 women are voluntarily issuing statements in support of Deshaun — with their names attached,” Hardin said in a news release, adding that the women have collectively “worked with Deshaun more than 130 times over the past five years.”

March 29, 2021: Suit alleges Watson is deleting Instagram messages

In one of three suits filed against Watson on March 29, bringing the total to 19, the complaint says “Watson is deleting Instagram messages, and contacting those who formally provided him massages, in an attempt to settle.”

Hardin denied this claim in a statement.

“Like a lot of people, Deshaun regularly deletes past Instagram messages,” Hardin said. “That said, he has not deleted any messages since March 15, the day before the first lawsuit was filed. We categorically deny that he has reached out directly to his accusers in an attempt to settle these cases.”

March 23, 2021: Watson’s lawyer accuses woman of attempting blackmail

In a statement, Hardin alleged Buzbee was impeding efforts to investigate the accusations by not releasing names of accusers to Watson’s legal team, which at this point was defending the quarterback against 16 civil lawsuits. Hardin also claimed his office had identified one plaintiff and accused her of previously attempting to blackmail Watson.

The plaintiff in question alleges Watson coerced the woman to perform oral sex on him in December 2020.

Bryan Burney, Watson’s marketing manager, said in a declaration distributed by Hardin’s office that he spoke with this woman in January of this year and she asked to be paid $30,000 for her “indefinite silence.” Burney alleges the woman said her encounter with Watson was consensual but claimed “it was a matter that both she and Deshaun would wish to keep secret and that she would need to be paid for her ‘silence.’” Burney denies paying the woman.

March 22, 2021: Buzbee files 7 new cases

Three days after holding a news conference in his downtown Houston office, Buzbee filed seven more lawsuits against Watson, bringing the total cases to 14. In his news conference, Buzbee said he planned to file a minimum of 12 total cases and had talked with 10 other women about filing suit against Watson.

March 18, 2021: NFL opens investigation into Watson

Within a few days of his Instagram announcement, Buzbee filed seven civil lawsuits again Watson, and Lisa Friel, the NFL’s special counsel for investigations, sent a letter to Buzbee asking for his client’s cooperation in a league investigation.

Unlike a formal law enforcement investigation, Friel and her team do not have subpoena power, cannot compel the accusers or witnesses to cooperate, and may not have access to police and legal documents. Buzbee said his clients would comply with the NFL’s investigation into the matter “to the extent we can do so given our civil court obligations.”

Buzbee also files four additional lawsuits this day, bringing the total to seven.

March 17, 2021: 2 new cases filed against Watson

The day after Buzbee announced he was filing suit against Watson, a total of three cases appear on the Harris County district clerk’s website. One was filed March 16 and the others were filed March 17.

March 16, 2021: Buzbee announces he’s filing suit against Watson

Buzbee said in an Instagram post he was filing suit against Watson for alleged misconduct against women but offered minimal details.

In a statement that remains his only public comment on the matter, Watson said he had yet to see a complaint but denied ever treating a woman with “anything other than the utmost respect.”

Watson also called Buzbee, who lost a self-funded bid for mayor, a “publicity-seeking plaintiff’s lawyer.”

To defend him, Watson hired another high-profile Houston attorney in Hardin, who previously represented running back Adrian Peterson in his 2014 child-abuse case and pitcher Roger Clemens in matters related to the Mitchell Report’s allegations of steroid use in baseball.

According to court records, the first lawsuit was filed this day.

(Photo of Deshaun Watson: Nathan Ray Seebeck / USA Today)