Updated 1:08 p.m. CT Saturday
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson — who has now been accused of sexual assault in 22 separate lawsuits — is now under criminal investigation, according to the Houston Police Department.
HPD revealed late Friday afternoon that someone filed a report against Watson earlier in the day. Details of the investigation were not immediately available.
HPD Statement #HouNews pic.twitter.com/s9DfEDZYsy
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) April 2, 2021
In a statement, Watson’s attorney Rusty Hardin said the NFL star would cooperate with the investigation.
“We welcome this long overdue development,” Hardin said. “Now we will learn the identity of at least one accuser. We will fully cooperate with the Houston Police Department.”
The 22 civil suits all allege harassment and assault against unnamed massage therapists. In each, Watson is accused of exposing himself, and sometimes forcing himself upon the women. The latest suit was filed late Friday afternoon, and became publicly available Monday morning.
The news comes just days after Houston attorney and former mayoral candidate Tony Buzbee, who is representing the 22 women, said he would not provide evidence to HPD.
In a statement provided to Houston Public Media on Saturday, Buzbee said he was aware of the investigation, and that he expected more in Houston and other jurisdictions.
"It takes great strength to do what these women are doing," Buzbee said. "I will continue to devote my attention and efforts to them and could give a damn about those detractors whose first reaction is to attack these women, or me."