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Deshaun Watson can be deposed in some civil cases filed against him, judge rules

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson can face questions in nine of the 22 civil lawsuits that have been filed against him, a Texas judge ruled on Monday, per ESPN.

Watson’s attorney had filed a motion last week to delay Watson’s deposition until after April 1, when it is expected that a decision on possible criminal charges against him will have been made. That motion was denied, in part.

Watson can now be questioned under oath on allegations regarding harassment and sexual assault during massage sessions on nine civil lawsuits. The women who filed the nine cases, per the report, have not filed a criminal complaint against Watson and have already been deposed in their cases.

"Deshaun Watson's team loudly and publicly claims he is innocent and wants nothing more than to clear his name, yet he refuses to sit in a room and face his accusers and answer questions under oath," the attorney for all 22 women, Tony Buzbee, said in a statement, via ESPN.

"Today [Watson] sought more delay; however, despite his efforts, the Court ruled that, at least with regard to the first nine plaintiffs, there will be no more delay.”

While he can be deposed, Watson’s attorney said he likely will use his Fifth Amendment right while criminal charges are still a possibility.

“The obligation of the lawyer is to protect the client, and while there is a criminal investigation going on, it is only fair to wait to see whether it results in charges or it doesn't before deciding whether you're going to submit somebody for depositions," his attorney, Rusty Hardin, said, via ESPN.

There was an alleged settlement offer for one of the civil lawsuits leaked last month, though nothing has come of that. Before Watson plays again anywhere, if at all, teams will almost certainly wait until his legal issues are over.

Watson did not play for the Texans last season after the allegations were made, and the NFL is currently investigating. He did request a trade in early 2021, and there were rumors of him landing with the Miami Dolphins, but nothing materialized. Watson’s time with the Texans, general manager Nick Caseiro said last month, is “more than likely” over.

So while he can speak in several lawsuits, it doesn’t sound like much surrounding Watson’s legal issues will happen for about another month.

Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans
While he can be deposed, it's not likely Deshaun Watson will say much under oath with possible criminal charges coming. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)