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10 women have now filed criminal complaints to the Houston Police department against Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, according to Watson's attorney, who spoke to ESPN.
Two more women recently filed complaints against Watson.
“There are ten women that have made complaints to the police,” Hardin said.
According to Watson's lawyer, eight of the complaints are from the group of 22 women who have filed civil suits accusing Watson of sexual assault or sexually inappropriate behavior during massages. Hardin said two of the women who have filed complaints to the police have not filed lawsuits.
“There are a couple of women who we don't know anything about,” he noted.
The Houston Police Department declined to comment on the matter to ESPN.
The NFL will wait until after the criminal investigation to interview Watson, as is customary.
“We're dealing with both of them, providing them information,” Hardin said. “We're fully cooperating with the police. We're fully cooperating with the District Attorney's office and, when the criminal investigation is over we'll fully cooperate with the NFL.”
The attorney for the female accusers, Tony Buzbee, told ESPN that his legal team is currently handling “22 civil cases that make very serious and specific allegations.”
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“As of today, almost half of these women have given sworn statements to the police, and almost half have spoken to the NFL's investigative team. Both processes are very lengthy. We expect to provide further information to the NFL from all victims,” Buzbee said.
Depositions for the plaintiffs will begin in September, while Watson won't be deposed until February, per an agreement between the two sides.
Watson's lawyer said any settlements would be made public and without confidentiality agreements.
“I do not want anybody to be saying that this guy paid off women to stay quiet,” Hardin said.
Despite the pending criminal and civil matters, Watson reported to Houston Texans training camp on Sunday in order to avoid daily fines of $50,000. The three-time Pro Bowler requested a trade in January and is sticking to it.
According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, the Texans are asking for a combination of five draft picks and starting-caliber players for the embattled 25-year old QB.
