WATCH: Texans Ex Deshaun Watson Addresses Assault Allegations

Meeting with the media for the first time since March, former Texans QB Deshaun Watson was clear in his message

Matt Galatzan | Jun 14, 2022

Mandatory minicamp is in full swing for the Cleveland Browns, and former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is a participant.

Shortly after practice, in his first meeting with the media since being traded in March, Watson met with the Cleveland media and was asked about his impending legal troubles.

As expected, Watson was asked about his current legal proceedings, in which 24 women have filed sexual misconduct lawsuits against him.

In the face of scrutiny, Watson stood firm in his message.

“I’ve never forced anyone,’' Watson said after the first day of mandatory minicamp. “I never harassed anyone or I never disrespected anyone. I’ve never assaulted anyone. I’ve been saying it from the beginning and I’m going to continue to say it until the facts come out.”

Unfortunately for Watson, his legal trouble are nowhere near over.

According to reports, additional lawsuits are set to be filed imminently. And with more and more women coming forward with claims against him, the process is ongoing.

Still, Watson remains focused on his future with the Browns.

“I have a great family, I have a great legal team and I have a great support cast here in this organization, so when I walk into the building, all that stuff is outside,’' Watson said. “I’ve got to focus on football and my teammates, building that trust with those guys on the football field and off the field and really just coming to work because the game plan is the season starts and getting everyone on the same page.’'

So what's next for Watson?

Currently, he awaits a decision from the league in regard to a potential suspension, which could come to a resolution at some point this summer.

“I can’t control that. I did everything they asked me to do," Watson said of a potential suspension. "I answered every question truthfully that the NFL asked me. That’s all I can do is be honest and tell them exactly what happened and I know they have a job and I have to respect that and that’s what we wanted to do is cooperate. They have to make a decision that’s best for the league.”

Watson has not played a snap in the NFL since Week 17 of the 2020 season, and depending on the ruling of the league, could be in danger of missing a second consecutive full season in 2020.

Until then, all he can do is wait.

Published Jun 14, 2022

MATT GALATZAN

Matt Galatzan the Editor-In-Chief of TexansDaily.com. Galatzan graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration. Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry under Mike Fisher at DallasBasketball.com in 2014, which at the time was part of the 247Sports network. He also spent two years covering the SMU Mustangs for PonyStampede.com on the 247Sports network. When DallasBasketball.com and CowboysCountry.com moved over to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, Galatzan followed suit, eventually being taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of LonghornsCountry.com and AllAggies.com a year later. Through the years, Galatzan has conducted a handful of high-profile one-on-one interviews to add to his resume — in both writing and podcasting. Some of his biggest interviews have been with Mavs owner Mark Cuban, former Longhorns players Dan Neil and Phil Dawson, and many other recruits, and current/former players for each of the teams he has covered. Galatzan is also a full-time employee in the digital media department for Audacy and KRLD FM's 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, which is the official radio home of the Dallas Cowboys. You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels. For any inquiries, please email matt.galatzan@gmail.com