The high-profile Houston attorney who filed at least seven civil lawsuits against Deshaun Watson over sexual misconduct allegations shocked everybody once again when he said he is representing 12 women and have spoken to an additional 10 more.
Tony Buzbee also revealed his firm has been formally contacted by the Houston Police Department over a potential criminal investigation into the NFL quarterback.
A few hours after the press conference, Watson’s lawyer responded, suggesting he will release a statement “next week.”
“I’m extremely proud to represent Deshaun Watson and wholly stand behind him against what we believe are meritless allegations,” Watson’s lawyer, Rusty Hardin, said. “However, we will wait to comment in detail until we’ve completed our review of the numerous, evolving allegations from Mr. Buzbee. We will responded next week and ask you to keep an open mind until we do so.”
HPD has since reponded and said it’s “unaware” of any contact between the department and Buzbee.
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The lawsuits filed so far claiming the misconduct took place during separate massage sessions last year.
“Now we know that in this case, there’s a major power differential, you have a star quarterback who is physically and financially powerful verses single moms who work for themselves, mostly from home. One of the parties is famous, known internationally, the other is unknown, marginalized and easy to criticize and minimize,” said Tony Buzbee, plaintiff’s attorney.
The NFL is conducting a separate investigation, according to a confidential letter released by Buzbee.
“I am writing to let you know that the League has opened an investigation into these allegations and to request the cooperation of your clients in our investigation,” special counsel Lisa Friel writes in the letter.
