30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer says
AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Deshaun Watson, then a Houston Texans quarterback, speaks during a news conference after an NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 22, 2019, in Carson, Calif.
HOUSTON (AP) — Thirty women who had accused the Houston Texans of turning a blind eye to allegations that Deshaun Watson was sexually assaulting and harassing women during massage sessions have settled their legal claims against the team, their attorney said Friday.
The terms of the settlements reached between each of the women and the Texans are confidential, said attorney Tony Buzbee.
While only one of the women had filed a lawsuit against the team, the others had also intended to make legal claims against the Texans before the settlements were reached, Buzbee said.
In a statement, Texans owners Janice McNair and Hannah and Cal McNair said while the team did not have any knowledge of Watson’s alleged misconduct, they were “shocked and deeply saddened” when they first learned about the accusations and chose to resolve the claims against the team “amicably.”
“This is not an admission of any wrongdoing, but instead a clear stand against any form of sexual assault and misconduct. We hope that today’s resolution will provide some form of closure to the parties involved, our fans and the Houston community at large. As an organization, we will now turn our focus to the future and doing what we can to ensure respect for all,” the McNairs said in their statement.
In separate lawsuits, 24 women accused Watson of exposing himself, touching them with his penis or kissing them against their will during massage appointments while he played for the Texans. One woman alleged Watson forced her to perform oral sex. Last month, Buzbee announced 20 of those 24 lawsuits have been settled.
Watson, who has since been traded to the Cleveland Browns, has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to clear his name. Watson is facing possible discipline from the NFL over the allegations.
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysEvan Vucci
President Joe Biden reacts as he stands with Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the Israeli President's residence Thursday, July 14, 2022, in Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Evan VucciPresident Joe Biden reacts as he stands with Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the Israeli President's residence Thursday, July 14, 2022, in Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysEvan Vucci
President Joe Biden points to his hat as he poses for a photo at the Maccabiah Games at Teddy Stadium, Thursday, July 14, 2022, in Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Evan VucciPresident Joe Biden points to his hat as he poses for a photo at the Maccabiah Games at Teddy Stadium, Thursday, July 14, 2022, in Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysGodofredo A. Vásquez
Milwaukee Brewers' Jonathan Davis scores next to San Francisco Giants catcher Joey Bart on a single by Willy Adames during the sixth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Godofredo A. VásquezMilwaukee Brewers' Jonathan Davis scores next to San Francisco Giants catcher Joey Bart on a single by Willy Adames during the sixth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysAlastair Grant
John Daly of the US plays from the 3rd tee during the first round of the British Open golf championship on the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, Thursday, July 14 2022. The Open Championship returns to the home of golf on July 14-17, 2022, to celebrate the 150th edition of the sport's oldest championship, which dates to 1860 and was first played at St. Andrews in 1873. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Alastair GrantJohn Daly of the US plays from the 3rd tee during the first round of the British Open golf championship on the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, Thursday, July 14 2022. The Open Championship returns to the home of golf on July 14-17, 2022, to celebrate the 150th edition of the sport's oldest championship, which dates to 1860 and was first played at St. Andrews in 1873. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysAlastair Grant
Norway's Viktor Hovland plays off the 3rd tee during the first round of the British Open golf championship on the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, Thursday, July 14 2022. The Open Championship returns to the home of golf on July 14-17, 2022, to celebrate the 150th edition of the sport's oldest championship, which dates to 1860 and was first played at St. Andrews in 1873. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Alastair GrantNorway's Viktor Hovland plays off the 3rd tee during the first round of the British Open golf championship on the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, Thursday, July 14 2022. The Open Championship returns to the home of golf on July 14-17, 2022, to celebrate the 150th edition of the sport's oldest championship, which dates to 1860 and was first played at St. Andrews in 1873. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysPeter Morrison
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy plays a shot on the 2nd hole during the first round of the British Open golf championship on the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, Thursday July 14, 2022. The Open Championship returns to the home of golf on July 14-17, 2022, to celebrate the 150th edition of the sport's oldest championship, which dates to 1860 and was first played at St. Andrews in 1873. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
Peter MorrisonNorthern Ireland's Rory McIlroy plays a shot on the 2nd hole during the first round of the British Open golf championship on the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, Thursday July 14, 2022. The Open Championship returns to the home of golf on July 14-17, 2022, to celebrate the 150th edition of the sport's oldest championship, which dates to 1860 and was first played at St. Andrews in 1873. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysPeter Morrison
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy plays off the 18th tee during the first round of the British Open golf championship on the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, Thursday, July 14, 2022. The Open Championship returns to the home of golf on July 14-17, 2022, to celebrate the 150th edition of the sport's oldest championship, which dates to 1860 and was first played at St. Andrews in 1873. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
Peter MorrisonNorthern Ireland's Rory McIlroy plays off the 18th tee during the first round of the British Open golf championship on the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, Thursday, July 14, 2022. The Open Championship returns to the home of golf on July 14-17, 2022, to celebrate the 150th edition of the sport's oldest championship, which dates to 1860 and was first played at St. Andrews in 1873. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysGerald Herbert
Tiger Woods of the US reacts to dust after playing a shot on the 1st hole during the first round of the British Open golf championship on the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, Thursday, July 14 2022. The Open Championship returns to the home of golf on July 14-17, 2022, to celebrate the 150th edition of the sport's oldest championship, which dates to 1860 and was first played at St. Andrews in 1873. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Gerald HerbertTiger Woods of the US reacts to dust after playing a shot on the 1st hole during the first round of the British Open golf championship on the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, Thursday, July 14 2022. The Open Championship returns to the home of golf on July 14-17, 2022, to celebrate the 150th edition of the sport's oldest championship, which dates to 1860 and was first played at St. Andrews in 1873. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysAlastair Grant
Jordan Spieth of the U.S. plays off the 11th tee during the first round of the British Open golf championship on the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, Thursday July 14, 2022. The Open Championship returns to the home of golf on July 14-17, 2022, to celebrate the 150th edition of the sport's oldest championship, which dates to 1860 and was first played at St. Andrews in 1873. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Alastair GrantJordan Spieth of the U.S. plays off the 11th tee during the first round of the British Open golf championship on the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, Thursday July 14, 2022. The Open Championship returns to the home of golf on July 14-17, 2022, to celebrate the 150th edition of the sport's oldest championship, which dates to 1860 and was first played at St. Andrews in 1873. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysDerek Gee
Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia hugs Leah Holton-Pope, senior advisor to New York Assembly Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes prior to a ceremony to honor the victims on the two-month anniversary of the attack by a racist gunman at a memorial outside the store in Buffalo, N.Y., Thursday, July 14, 2022. (Derek Gee/The Buffalo News via AP)
Derek GeeBuffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia hugs Leah Holton-Pope, senior advisor to New York Assembly Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes prior to a ceremony to honor the victims on the two-month anniversary of the attack by a racist gunman at a memorial outside the store in Buffalo, N.Y., Thursday, July 14, 2022. (Derek Gee/The Buffalo News via AP)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysFernando Llano
Jamaica's goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer, back, punches the ball next to teammate Vyan Sampson, center, and Canada's Kadeisha Buchanan during a CONCACAF Women's Championship soccer semifinal match in Monterrey, Mexico, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
Fernando LlanoJamaica's goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer, back, punches the ball next to teammate Vyan Sampson, center, and Canada's Kadeisha Buchanan during a CONCACAF Women's Championship soccer semifinal match in Monterrey, Mexico, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysLewis Joly
Fireworks illuminate the Eiffel Tower in Paris during Bastille Day celebrations late Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Lewis Joly)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysRui Vieira
France's Kadidiatou Diani celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Women Euro 2022 group D soccer match between France and Belgium, at the New York Stadium, Rotherham, England, Thursday July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
Rui VieiraFrance's Kadidiatou Diani celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Women Euro 2022 group D soccer match between France and Belgium, at the New York Stadium, Rotherham, England, Thursday July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysDaniel Cole
The pack with Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, and Belgium's Wout Van Aert, wearing the best sprinter's green jersey, and his teammates set the pace for the pack as they climb Col du Galibier pass during the twelfth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 165.5 kilometers (102.8 miles) with start in Briancon and finish in Alpe d'Huez, France, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Daniel ColeThe pack with Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, and Belgium's Wout Van Aert, wearing the best sprinter's green jersey, and his teammates set the pace for the pack as they climb Col du Galibier pass during the twelfth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 165.5 kilometers (102.8 miles) with start in Briancon and finish in Alpe d'Huez, France, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysThibault Camus
Stage winner Britain's Thomas Pidcock celebrates as he crosses the finish line of the twelfth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 165.5 kilometers (102.8 miles) with start in Briancon and finish in Alpe d'Huez, France, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Thibault CamusStage winner Britain's Thomas Pidcock celebrates as he crosses the finish line of the twelfth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 165.5 kilometers (102.8 miles) with start in Briancon and finish in Alpe d'Huez, France, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysDaniel Cole
Stage winner Britain's Thomas Pidcock climbs Alpe D'Huez during the twelfth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 165.5 kilometers (102.8 miles) with start in Briancon and finish in Alpe d'Huez, France, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
Daniel ColeStage winner Britain's Thomas Pidcock climbs Alpe D'Huez during the twelfth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 165.5 kilometers (102.8 miles) with start in Briancon and finish in Alpe d'Huez, France, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysBernard Papon
Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar, wearing the best young rider's white jersey, attempts to break away from Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, Sepp Kuss of the U.S., right, and Britain's Geraint Thomas, left, as they climb Alpe d'Huez during the twelfth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 165.5 kilometers (102.8 miles) with start in Briancon and finish in Alpe d'Huez, France, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (Bernard Papon/Pool Photo via AP)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysBernard Papon
Sepp Kuss of the U.S., front, sets the pace for team leader Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, as Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar, wearing the best young rider's white jersey, follows, as they climb Alpe d'Huez during the twelfth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 165.5 kilometers (102.8 miles) with start in Briancon and finish in Alpe d'Huez, France, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (Bernard Papon/Pool Photo via AP)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysAntonio Calanni
Boats lie on the dried riverbed at a tourist dock along the Po river in Torricella, northern Italy, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Italy's drought has dried up rivers crucial for irrigation threatening some 3 billion euros ($3.1 billion) in agriculture, according to Italian farm lobby Coldiretti. Italy's confederation of agricultural producers, Copagri, estimates the loss of 30%-40% of the seasonal harvest. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysJon Super
Iceland's Elisa Vidarsdottir, left, challenges for the ball with Italy's Martina Rosucci during the Women Euro 2022 soccer match between Italy and Iceland at the Manchester City Academy Stadium, in Manchester, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Jon SuperIceland's Elisa Vidarsdottir, left, challenges for the ball with Italy's Martina Rosucci during the Women Euro 2022 soccer match between Italy and Iceland at the Manchester City Academy Stadium, in Manchester, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysRahmat Gul
A peacock stands in Lake View Park, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)
Rahmat GulA peacock stands in Lake View Park, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysEfrem Lukatsky
Cars destroyed by a deadly Russian missile attack stand near a monument in honor of the Ukrainian Air Force with a Soviet MiG-21 fighter jet in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)
Efrem LukatskyCars destroyed by a deadly Russian missile attack stand near a monument in honor of the Ukrainian Air Force with a Soviet MiG-21 fighter jet in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysEfrem Lukatsky
Blood stains are seen on a damaged car after a deadly Russian missile attack in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysAlvaro Barrientos
Thousands people gather in the bullring on the final day of the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Revellers from around the world flock to Pamplona every year for nine days of uninterrupted partying in Pamplona's famed running of the bulls festival which was suspended for the past two years because of the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysRafiq Maqbool
Army soldiers stand guard at prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
Rafiq MaqboolArmy soldiers stand guard at prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office building in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Sri Lankan protesters retreated from government buildings they seized and military troops reinforced security at the Parliament on Thursday, establishing a tenuous calm in a country in both economic meltdown and political limbo.(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysFernando Llano
Costa Rica's Carol Sanchez (6) and United States' Lindsey Horan (10) fight for the ball during a CONCACAF Women's Championship soccer semifinal match in Monterrey, Mexico, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
Fernando LlanoCosta Rica's Carol Sanchez (6) and United States' Lindsey Horan (10) fight for the ball during a CONCACAF Women's Championship soccer semifinal match in Monterrey, Mexico, Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
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30 women settle Deshaun Watson-related claims against Texans, lawyer saysCharlie Riedel
Athletes train while workers put up signage before the World Athletics Championships Thursday, July 14, 2022, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Charlie RiedelAthletes train while workers put up signage before the World Athletics Championships Thursday, July 14, 2022, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
