CLEVELAND (AP) — Deshaun Watson’s first day with the Browns was anything but routine — for him and for the team.
As Watson arrived in Cleveland for his medical and possibly to answer questions about his past behavior, a second Texas grand jury declined to prosecute the quarterback who was accused of sex crimes by 22 women. He still faces a civil lawsuit.
The Brazoria County jury convened Thursday and heard all evidence related to a criminal complaint filed with Houston police by 22 massage therapists, who accused Watson of harassing and sexually assaulting them during separate sessions.
The decision follows a similar one by the Harris County jury, which declined to pursue Watson on March 11 and led the Browns and several other teams to seek to acquire one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
“Accordingly, the case is closed,” Brazoria County District Attorney Tom Selleck said in a statement.
Hours earlier, Watson, wearing an orange Browns jacket, arrived at the team’s facility in Berea, Ohio. His flight was delayed to allow him to testify Tuesday and Wednesday in Houston in some of the civil lawsuits.
Cameras caught Watson entering the facility shortly after noon, before being escorted up a flight of stairs. He underwent the medical examination, the last phase to sign the contract of 230 million dollars.
The Browns will officially introduce him on Friday at a press conference this Friday at 1 p.m.
It will be the first time reporters will be able to ask Watson about the allegations and the Browns for making the decision to trade for the 26-year-old who has legal background.
The team said Watson will be joined by general manager Andrew Berry, coach Kevin Stefanski, but not owners Dee or Jimmy Haslam, who will hold a separate meeting via Zoom.
The Brazoria County prosecutor’s office didn’t begin its investigation of the other indictments until the Harris County nine were completed, said Rusty Hardin, lead attorney for Watson’s team.
A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Watson missed the entire 2021 season after demanding a trade. He shocked the NFL by choosing to relaunch his career with Cleveland over other teams after he told the Browns he wasn’t interested in playing there.
He might have been sold on the playoff-ready roster and record deal, though.
Watson still faces possible disciplinary action from the NFL and will possibly miss part of the 2022 season.
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Watson arrives in Cleveland; Houston jury dismisses lawsuit