By JUAN A. LOZANO

HOUSTON (AP) — A choose has declined endeavours by lawyers for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson to hold off all his depositions in link with lawsuits filed by 22 females who have accused him of sexual assault and harassment.

For the duration of a court docket listening to on Monday, protection attorney Rusty Hardin had requested that depositions in the case be delayed until just after an ongoing legal investigation of the allegations from Watson concluded.

Hardin stated Houston law enforcement have now forwarded their findings to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and he considered a grand jury could make a determination in the scenario by April 1. 8 of the girls filed legal complaints against Watson. The FBI is also examining the allegations.

“I know that Deshaun is much more than prepared to give his testimony and to give depositions. I’m declaring as his attorney I assume it would be nuts to allow it right until we know what’s likely to take place on the felony side,” Hardin reported.

In their lawsuits, the 22 ladies accuse Watson of exposing himself, touching them with his penis or kissing them against their will during massage appointments.

Watson and his lawyers have denied the accusations. His legal professionals have claimed “some sexual activity” transpired in the course of some of the appointments but that he hardly ever coerced any individual.

Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing the 22 women of all ages, argued that most of the ladies have already supplied their depositions and it was only honest for Watson to be deposed in accordance to an agreed upon plan. A former courtroom get has established Watson’s depositions to start on Thursday.

“You would think that anyone who’s lawful group has named every single 1 of these females liars, has criticized me and has loudly declared his fully innocence would be prepared to converse publicly beneath oath as he initially agreed,” Buzbee reported. “But rather, he ducks and runs for include.”

Decide Rabeea Collier dominated that those women of all ages who did not file a prison grievance towards Watson can have their lawyer depose the quarterback although the other people will have to hold out right until soon after April 1.

Buzbee explained he expected depositions of Watson on behalf of 9 of the females to begin inside 10 times.

“Mr. Watson can proceed to seek hold off but it’s inescapable that he will eventually and in the end have to answer concerns about his perform under oath,” Buzbee said.

Hardin explained even though there is nonetheless an ongoing legal investigation, “it is only fair” to wait around and see if it results in any costs prior to possessing Watson give a deposition.

“I’m hoping and trusting that the general public will listen to us when we say he did not do what he is accused of undertaking. I’m hopeful and believe in that’ll be the summary of a grand jury,” Hardin stated.

Watson’s legal professionals have sought to balance their defense of the NFL star whilst at the same time condemning sexual violence towards women.

But Watson’s attorneys have known as the lawsuits versus him a “money grab” and fired back that all 22 gals who have filed fit are lying, a technique some industry experts and advocates say relies on long-applied tropes created to lower this sort of accusations. Buzbee has explained some of his clientele have confronted criticism and even dying threats.

Watson’s long term with the Texans continues to be unclear.

Even right before the lawsuits had been very first filed in March, Watson had questioned to be traded. The trade request and the lawsuits saved Watson out all very last time.

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