In the most comprehensive statement yet from Deshaun Watson’s legal team, defense attorney Rusty Hardin revealed a few key components of what lies ahead in the legal battles between the Houston Texans quarterback and now 16 women who have filed civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault.
Not only does Watson appear steadfastly dedicated to fighting the cases in a legal setting, Hardin published an affidavit from Watson’s business manager, Bryan Burney, alleging that one of the accusers attempted to “blackmail” the quarterback through her business manager. While the affidavit was aimed at only one accuser, it appears to be a clear sign that Watson’s legal team would be willing to openly challenge the character and motives of at least some of the alleged victims, rather than waiting solely for a court appearance to begin mounting a defense in the realm of public opinion.