Accusations have tarnished Watson
As of this writing, we know more than nothing, but less than a lot, about the sexual assault allegations against Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Three women have filed civil lawsuits against Watson, claiming inappropriate and even criminal behavior during a massage.
In a statement Tuesday evening, before the first suit was made public, Watson said he is looking forward to clearing his name.
Forget the always improper rush to judgment, the rush to comment — as is required in this piece — is ill-advised, says every lawyer I spoke to.
Even parts of the suits that one might presume are correct, simply because minor details could so easily be proven inaccurate, aren’t facts.
Weighing in on specifics in an issue this serious with an “if true” qualifier might offer a certain legal protection, but it is a disservice to fairness.
So I’ll leave the particulars of the disturbing allegations to news stories and crazy conspiracists on social media.
This in no way gives Watson a pass and certainly isn’t in any way a defense.
Even with Watson afforded the presumption of innocence, the alleged victims have the right to be
heard and shouldn’t be questioned, let alone judged, this early in the process.
Often, simply making a sexual assault allegation can produce additional trauma and pain. I refuse to potentially add to that.
Until we know, we don’t know.
Obviously, the least important aspect of the situation is how it affects Watson’s status with the Texans. But the reason I write about him is he is a football player, so it matters.
These accusations should effectively end trade talks that the Texans have said they were not interested in having anyway.
As talented a player as Watson is — he’s one of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL — no team would trade for him at this point. There are too many unknowns, too many unanswered questions.
A no-brainer move has become a no-chance one thanks to a legitimate red flag.
The NFL draft starts April 29. It would be asinine
for a team to trade significant assets — veterans and picks — for a player in this situation. The NFL has launched an investigation, and Watson could very well be suspended, even if the lawsuits are settled and no criminal charges are ever filed.
Aside from a revelation of a vast conspiracy, with evidence proving this is all a hoax, Watson’s reputation will take a permanent hit.
Even if substantial details in the lawsuits prove false and no criminal activity took place, many fans will never look at him the same. That would be unfortunate.
Tony Buzbee, the lawyer who filed the three lawsuits, says he represents other women who will file lawsuits with similar claims. Watson has hired defense attorney Rusty Hardin, one of the best in the business.
Watson stands to lose more than his reputation should the allegations from the massage therapists continue to get increasingly graphic and the women be deemed credible.
What we learn as this moves forward will reveal more about Watson’s character than his penchant for leading comebacks on the football field.
It is likely he will remain a Texan, so we will all be witnesses in a sense.
It has only just begun, and Watson is behind on the scoreboard.
But this isn’t a game.