FOOTBALL – Second Texas grand jury declines to indict Browns QB Deshaun Watson on criminal charges
A Brazoria County, Texas, grand jury declined to indict Deshaun Watson on Thursday after considering evidence in a criminal complaint against the Browns quarterback alleging sexual misconduct during a massage therapy session.
“After carefully and thoroughly reviewing the facts and evidence documented in the reports of the Brazoria County Security Officer‘s Office and the Houston Police Department and hearing witnesses, the Brazoria County Grand Jury accuses Deshawn of any charges against Watson. He refused to do it. “Punish the crime.” Brazoria District Attorney Tom Selleck said in a statement Thursday. “Therefore, this issue is currently resolved.”
This marks the second grand jury to decline to indict Watson this month. On March 11, a Harris County, Texas, grand jury determined there was not enough evidence to charge Watson with a crime following allegations of sexual misconduct.
Watson, a former Houston Texans quarterback traded to Browns last week, is also facing 22 civil proceedings. The 26-year-old is under investigation by the NFL and may be subject to disciplinary action based on the league’s personal course of action.
“We continue to closely monitor all developments in the matter which remains under review of the personal conduct policy,” a NFL spokesperson said in a statement Thursday.
Watson has denied the allegations against him. His lawyers have previously said “some sexual activity” happened during some of the appointments but that Watson never coerced anyone.
Watson arrived Thursday at a facility in Browns, Ohio for a physical examination, NFL Network‘s Mike Galafolo reported.
Browns announced the acquisition of Watson last Sunday.
“We spent a tremendous amount of time exploring and investigating the opportunity to trade for Deshaun Watson,” Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam said in a statement at the time. “We are acutely aware and empathetic to the highly personal sentiments expressed about this decision. Our team’s comprehensive evaluation process was of utmost importance due to the sensitive nature of his situation and the complex factors involved.”
