Second grand jury declines to charge Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson, former Houston QB who was traded to Browns, is still not guilty as a second grand jury in Texas declines to indict him on criminal charges
A second grand jury in Texas, Brazoria county, declined to indict Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson on Thursday after considering another criminal charge against him.
Brazoria County District Attorney Tom Selleck said in a statement that "After a careful and thorough review of the facts and evidence documented in the reports prepared by the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office and the Houston Police Department, as well as hearing testimony from witnesses, the Grand Jury for Brazoria County has declined to charge Deshaun Watson with any crimes. Accordingly, this matter is closed."
This is the second grand jury to decline to formally charge Watson earlier this month. On March 11, a Harris County grand jury decided there was not enough proof connected to the allegations of sexual misconduct against the quarterback.
Watson, the former Houston Texans quarterback who was traded to the Browns last Friday, also faces 22 civil lawsuits from women who accuse him of different forms of sexual misconduct.
The Browns knew about the accusations at the time of his trade.
The 26-year-old has denied the allegations against him, and his lawyers previously clarified that while "some sexual activity" happened during some of the appointments with these women, Watson never forced any of them.
NFL could still discipline Deshaun Watson
The quarterback remains under NFL investigation and the league may discipline Watson under their conduct policy, if they wish to do so.
In a previous statement, the NFL commented on the serious allegations against Watson. "If the league's investigation determines Watson violated the personal conduct policy, discipline may be imposed pursuant to the policy."
Watson did not play in 2021 due to his legal issues and trade request.
The QB was in Cleveland on Thursday for a physical.