According to Rusty Hardin, Watson's attorney said that ten women have filed complaints against Houston police regarding Deshaun Watson, the Texans quarterback.Hardin spoke to ESPN Monday about the status of his client's criminal and civil cases.Hardin stated that 10 women have filed complaints to the Houston police.Hardin says that eight of these women are among 22 women who claim Watson sexually assaulted or engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior during massage sessions.Hardin stated that two of the Houston police officers who received complaints have not filed lawsuits against Watson.Hardin stated, "There are a few women we don't know anything."Hardin admitted to knowing the names and addresses of the 10 women who had filed criminal complaints. This includes the two who were not involved in civil litigation. However, he declined to give these names to ESPN.Houston police refused to comment on Monday about the investigation or the number women who had filed complaints.Hardin stated that Watson and his legal team fully cooperated with Houston police as well as the Harris County District Attorney's Office.Hardin stated, "We're dealing to both of them and providing them with information.""We are fully cooperating with police. "We are fully cooperating with police and the district attorney's office. When the criminal investigation is complete, we will fully cooperate with the NFL."Hardin stated that Watson has not been interviewed by investigators from the NFL. This is common in ongoing criminal cases."We have made it clear that we will fully cooperate with the NFL when they are ready to visit us." They, however, wait for the criminal investigation to be completed before trying to speak to the accused.Tony Buzbee from Houston, who is representing the 22 women who sued Watson, stated that he and his legal team continue "22 civil cases which make very serious and specific allegations.""As of today almost half these women have made sworn statements before the police and nearly half have spoken with the NFL's investigation team. Both of these processes can take a long time. Buzbee stated that they expect to share more information with the NFL about all victims.Hardin stated that although both sides have already exchanged documents regarding the pending lawsuits they have not yet scheduled depositions for the 22 female witnesses. According to an agreement between the legal departments, depositions of the plaintiffs will start in September. Watson will not be deposed before February next year, according to an agreement between the legal teams.Hardin stated that the depositions are "really going the normal course for all civil litigation." "The exact dates of who will go when and the dates are not yet set. They'll begin in September.Hardin stated that if Watson reached a settlement, he would do so with all the women who are suing Watson. He also reiterated his desire for a public settlement and said Watson would not agree to a confidential agreement."I don't want anyone to claim that this guy paid women to keep quiet. So, if ever there was a settlement of any sort, it would have had to be public. Therefore, both sides (Watson and the women) would be free to tell the world whatever they wanted.Hardin admitted Monday that he was not involved in the decision-making process regarding Watson's future football career.Trade rumors have been swirling about the Texans' quarterback for months, long before any off-the-field legal disputes this offseason.Hardin stated that "teams are willing to jump now if they trade with the Texans, even though all this is pending." "There is no doubt that many teams are interested. The ball is in the Texans court."Buzbee stated that Watson's football career is not in his sights. Instead, he's focused on the welfare and cases of the women with whom he was in contact.
