A new legal filing is out Thursday from the attorney representing Deshaun Watson.
KPRC 2 News has learned that Rusty Hardin, the attorney for the Texans quarterback, has filed what is known as a “special exception.”
The legal procedure could ultimately reveal the identities of the women who are suing Watson.
Hardin released this statement Thursday about the matter:
“We have said this before and we want to say it again: Deshaun did not force, coerce or intimidate anyone to do anything against their will. When we asked Mr. Buzbee to identify his clients weeks ago, he refused and told us to file a motion. Today we filed that motion. As discussed in our filing, Mr. Buzbee’s use of anonymous lawsuits violates Texas law and the basic concept of fairness. It is clear that, for Mr. Buzbee, this case has never been about seeking justice in a courtroom, but destroying Deshaun’s reputation to enhance his own public profile and enrich himself. While I understand that anonymity often is used as a shield for victims, Mr. Buzbee is using it as a sword. While shielding his clients from public scrutiny, Mr. Buzbee continues to use their anonymous allegations to destroy Mr. Watson. This is simply not right. And we look forward to resolving these matters in court.”
KPRC 2 Legal Analyst Brian Wice said that this an important move for the defense.
“They can then begin to investigate their character, their background, and anything else that may shine light on the credibility of the accusations in these petitions,” said Wice.
The 22 lawsuits have been filed in more than a dozen different district courts.
Two separate judges have scheduled emergency hearings set for Friday morning in which they will hear Hardin’s motion to reveal the identities of the plaintiffs known as Jane Doe’s.
“Tony Buzbee had the bat in his hands for a very, very long time. He put up a 10 spot on the scoreboard in the first inning. Rusty Hardin’s pleading today seeks to take the bat out of Tony Buzbee’s hands,” said Wice
Watson is accused of inappropriate conduct with nearly two dozen women, most of them massage therapists. The star quarterback and his lawyer, Rusty Hardin, denied the allegations and said the claims have been made as a result of blackmail attempts.
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