HOUSTON – In an emergency hearing on Friday morning, a Harris County judge ruled that one of the plaintiffs indicting Texan quarterback Deshaun Watson must identify herself by re-filing her suit with her name on it.
The original lawsuit, filed by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, was filed on Jane Doe’s behalf. Of the 22 lawsuits filed against Watson for alleged sexual assault and inappropriate behavior, only two women were publicly identified.
The verdict was delivered by Judge Dedra Davis in the 270th District Court. A similar hearing regarding at least 12 other cases is scheduled for noon ET on Friday in the 113th district court, according to court records.
Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, filed the emergency motion on Thursday, saying, “Mr. Buzbee’s use of anonymous lawsuits violates Texas law and the basic concept of fairness.”
“While I understand that anonymity is often used as a shield for victims, Mr. Buzbee uses it like a sword,” Hardin said in a statement. While protecting his clients from public scrutiny, Mr. Buzbee continues to use their anonymous allegations to destroy Mr. Watson. This is simply not correct. And we look forward to resolving these cases in court. ‘
Watson has denied the allegations in the lawsuits.
In a statement Tuesday, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy called the allegations against Watson “deeply troubling” and noted, “We take these issues very seriously.”
McCarthy said the league launched an investigation last month following initial allegations as part of its personal conduct policy and that the NFL “continues to monitor closely all developments in the case.”