Google News Lawyer's statement on Texans reaching settlement with 30 Deshaun Watson accusers
by | VIEW 313
The Houston Texans have avoided potential major problems as they have reached settlements with women who have made or intended to file a lawsuit against the team. Last month, a lawsuit was filed against the Texans, alleging that the team knew about Deshaun Watson's behavior but they refused to act accordingly.
More lawsuits were expected to be filed against the Texans but on Friday attorney Tony Buzbee - who is representing all the plaintiffs in the case against Watson - announced the Texans have reached a settlement and there won't be any lawsuits filed against them.
"Today all of the women who have made, or intended to make, claims against the Houston Texans organization have resolved their claims. The terms of the settlements, to include the amounts paid each, are confidential. I will have no further comment on the allegations or the Texans' alleged role, other than to say that there is a marked contrast in the way in which the Texans addressed these allegations, and the way in which Watson's team has done so.
As has been previously reported, only one of the thirty women who made allegations against the Texans filed a formal lawsuit. That particular lawsuit will be dismissed with prejudice as soon as the appropriate settlement paperwork is complete."
The Texans avoid problems by reaching settlements with 30 women
Watson, who was traded from the Texans to the Cleveland Browns this offseason, was accused of misconduct during message sessions.
Last month, attorney Buzbee announced Watson reached settlement with 20 of 24 plaintiffs. The Texans won't be finding themselves in court, while Watson is still facing four lawsuits. "It takes an incredible amount of fortitude for a victim of se*ual misconduct to come forward.
It is even more difficult when the alleged wrongdoer is famous, rich or powerful. As I've said before, these cases started with one phone call, from one brave and strong woman: Ashley Solis. Because of her willingness to speak out, soon others followed.
I admire Ashley Solis and the other women who were courageous enough to make their voices heard. I hope their bravery serves as an example to others who have been subjected to similar conduct. Every story has a hero—in this story that hero is Ashley Solis and the other women who, despite the ridicule, criticism, and vitriol directed at them, endured," Buzbee added in a statement.
"The four filed cases against Deshaun Watson will continue. We hope to try them all in the spring of next year. In the mean-time we will continue to do the important work to prepare for such."