Deshaun Watson joined the Texans for practice on Wednesday morning (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Watson will be able to participate in training camp the rest of the way. The NFL issued a statement this week suggesting that Watson could still be placed on paid leave, pending the outcome of their investigation.
“The NFL’s review of the serious allegations against Deshaun Watson remains ongoing and active,” the NFL said. “We are working cooperatively with the Houston Police Department and ensuring that the NFL’s inquiry does not interfere with their investigation. As we continue to gather additional information and monitor law enforcement developments, we will make appropriate decisions consistent with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the Personal Conduct Policy. At this time there are no restrictions on Watson’s participation in club activities.”
Off the field, Watson is embroiled in civil litigation with lawsuits from 22 different women. Even without criminal charges, Watson could still face league discipline.
Meanwhile, Watson still wants to be traded. But, by reporting to work, he’ll avoid $50K in daily fines. For now, new head coach David Culley will try to navigate things as best he can. Even with Watson on the field, the Texans are probably more focused on getting newcomer Tyrod Taylor and rookie Davis Mills up to speed.
Phew…masseuses BM can now be safe for the next few hours…
I’m all seriousness, do you suppose the team has put any protections in place for the team trainers/masseuses etc. there’s a lot of liability there on the clubs sale if they knowingly put them in harms way.
He’s probably looking for masseuse on Craigslist and whipping it out when they come over. He’s not assaulting medical professionals that work for the team he’s a predator not an idiot
Are you confident in that assessment?
I wouldn’t be
Roethlisberger, suspended 6 games based on two accusers. What is the NFL’s thinking here?
Bauer sidelined indefinitely based on one.
An 18 year old kid in hockey is a pariah for showing off a nude picture.
NFL just going to pretend that nothing is going on…?
Yeah, this one is a head-scratcher for sure. Their investigation seems to be moving at a glacial pace as well.
They’re not investigating, they’re waiting for public opinion.
The NFL reacts to scandals, they’re not preemptive at all
I think they learned from the Ray Rice situation to not rush in. That said they could do what MLB is doing with Bauer.
Goodell is too fixated on his silly wet dream of expanding the NFL to Europe to be bothered with something like this.
David Culley has got to be thinking, “Not sure this is what I signed up for…”
Sometimes you have to take the band-aid approach instead of throwing good money after bad
Did the team turn off the lights and hide behind the couch when they saw him coming?
No, but the massage therapists certainly did…
Hide your masseuses, Watson is in the building
Please stop all these ‘rumors’ about Watson being traded to the Eagles. Why would anyone trade for a guy with 22 sexual misconducts suits pending against him ? The Eagles have a year to evaluate Hurts with the offense geared to his strengths and if it doesn’t pan out they have three high draft picks they can use next year to either move up in the draft or trade for a veteran. Besides they don’t have the cap room to bring him in anyway.
No one brought up the Eagles except you.
As the NFL season begins there’s one positive take…..at least the public will know where a good number of the criminals will be.