Twenty out of 24 of the plaintiffs embroiled in a civil suit against former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson have settled, according to attorney Tony Buzbee.
The women filed suit against the NFL embattled star, who now plays for the Cleveland Browns, for what most claim was inappropriate sexual conduct during massage therapy sessions.
Buzbee confirmed the settlements on Tuesday, but declined to mention the exact details.
“The cases against Deshaun Watson started with one phone call, from one brave and strong woman. That woman was Ashley Solis. At the time of that call she was just one of the hundreds of calls seeking legal assistance that our firm gets weekly. Even though she was originally turned away by our screening process, my staff insisted that I personally speak with her. I’m glad she persisted.
“Once we took a second look, and after having contact with Watson’s original lawyer who disrespected Ashley and her profession and who arrogantly minimized the conduct of someone he referred to as an “asset,” I was convinced that our law firm should try to help her. As a result of Ashley’s lone but brave voice, soon many women who had allegedly experienced the same conduct were emboldened to step forward.
“I am incredibly proud to represent them all. They have endured vile criticism and fanatical ignorance. They faced withering cross examination by skilled litigators and stood firm.
“They are warriors all. Today we have an important announcement about these cases, but it is important to point out that, without Ashley Solis, the conduct experienced by these women would likely have continued unfettered. The truth is, without her courage and willingness to come forward, the NFL wouldn’t currently be contemplating discipline; there would be no examination of how teams might knowingly or unknowingly enable certain behavior; sports teams wouldn’t be reviewing their personnel screening processes; and this important story wouldn’t have dominated the sports headlines for more than a year.
MORE ARTICLES:
‘Defcon 1′: Two more lawsuits to be filed against former Texans QB Deshaun Watson, bringing total to 26, sources say
Alleged messages between Deshaun Watson and accusers released by Buzbee’s office
NFL: No set timeline for outcome in Deshaun Watson investigation
Attorney representing Deshaun Watson says NFL has not questioned player; Buzbee releases statement on case
TIMELINE: Accusations against Deshaun Watson span 9 months, including more than 3 months of NFL season
Deshaun Watson’s accusers appear in court
Deshaun Watson attorney Rusty Hardin says Texans star has spoken to the FBI, lawyer ‘welcomes’ federal investigation
Continue reading...
The women filed suit against the NFL embattled star, who now plays for the Cleveland Browns, for what most claim was inappropriate sexual conduct during massage therapy sessions.
Buzbee confirmed the settlements on Tuesday, but declined to mention the exact details.
“The cases against Deshaun Watson started with one phone call, from one brave and strong woman. That woman was Ashley Solis. At the time of that call she was just one of the hundreds of calls seeking legal assistance that our firm gets weekly. Even though she was originally turned away by our screening process, my staff insisted that I personally speak with her. I’m glad she persisted.
“Once we took a second look, and after having contact with Watson’s original lawyer who disrespected Ashley and her profession and who arrogantly minimized the conduct of someone he referred to as an “asset,” I was convinced that our law firm should try to help her. As a result of Ashley’s lone but brave voice, soon many women who had allegedly experienced the same conduct were emboldened to step forward.
“I am incredibly proud to represent them all. They have endured vile criticism and fanatical ignorance. They faced withering cross examination by skilled litigators and stood firm.
“They are warriors all. Today we have an important announcement about these cases, but it is important to point out that, without Ashley Solis, the conduct experienced by these women would likely have continued unfettered. The truth is, without her courage and willingness to come forward, the NFL wouldn’t currently be contemplating discipline; there would be no examination of how teams might knowingly or unknowingly enable certain behavior; sports teams wouldn’t be reviewing their personnel screening processes; and this important story wouldn’t have dominated the sports headlines for more than a year.
MORE ARTICLES:
‘Defcon 1′: Two more lawsuits to be filed against former Texans QB Deshaun Watson, bringing total to 26, sources say
Alleged messages between Deshaun Watson and accusers released by Buzbee’s office
NFL: No set timeline for outcome in Deshaun Watson investigation
Attorney representing Deshaun Watson says NFL has not questioned player; Buzbee releases statement on case
TIMELINE: Accusations against Deshaun Watson span 9 months, including more than 3 months of NFL season
Deshaun Watson’s accusers appear in court
Deshaun Watson attorney Rusty Hardin says Texans star has spoken to the FBI, lawyer ‘welcomes’ federal investigation
Continue reading...
