Second Grand Jury Declines To Indict Browns’ New QB Deshaun Watson

A second Texas grand jury Thursday declined to indict new Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson on sexual misconduct allegations.

“After a careful and thorough review of the facts and evidence documented in the reports prepared by the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office and the Houston Police Department, as well as hearing testimony from witnesses, the Grand Jury for Brazoria County has declined to charge Deshaun Watson with any crimes. Accordingly, this matter is closed,” Brazoria County District Attorney Tom Selleck said in a statement.

“We’ve known all along what people who learn the facts also know—Deshaun committed no crimes,” said Rusty Hardin, Watson’s attorney. “In fact, two separate grand juries have now found that there wasn’t even probable cause to believe he committed a crime.

“It is time to let the civil litigation proceed at a normal pace and for Deshaun Watson to take his place as the quarterback of the future for the Browns. I am fully confident that the Cleveland community will discover that Deshaun Watson is not just a great quarterback but also an incredibly decent person they will be proud to have represent their city.”

Cleveland acquired the signal-caller from the Houston Texans last week for three first-round picks and three more draft picks. The team sweetened the deal with a new five-year contract worth $230 million guaranteed—the most such dough in NFL history.

“We are acutely aware and empathetic to the highly personal sentiments expressed about this decision,” Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam said. “Our team’s comprehensive evaluation process was of utmost importance due to the sensitive nature of his situation and the complex factors involved. We also understand there are still some legal proceedings that are ongoing and we will respect due process.”