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A Harris County grand jury decided not to criminally charge Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson on March 11 after 22 women accused him of sexual assault and harassment.
The grand jury declined an indictment citing a lack of sufficient evidence against the former first-rounder, NFL.com reported.
"When you stand on the TRUTH, the LORD will FREE you!" Watson tweeted.
The allegations against Watson took root in early 2021 after the most recent season he played for the Texans.
According to Houston NBC affiliate KPRC, Watson was alleged to have exposed himself, touched the complainants inappropriately or kissed them without their consent during massage appointments.
In April of that year, the Houston Police Department received a criminal complaint and started an investigation. The FBI also looked into the claims.
Despite nine criminal complaints, evidence and testimony, the Pro Bowl signal-caller won't face a criminal charge, KPRC reported.
However, the 22 civil lawsuits against him are active.
Watson's legal team, lead by Houston attorney Rusty Hardin, admitted that "some sexual activity" occurred but denied Watson coerced anyone, according to the station.
"We are delighted that the grand jury has looked at the matter thoroughly and reached the same conclusion we did," Hardin said, NFL.com reported. "Deshaun Watson did not commit any crimes and is not guilty of any offenses. Now that the criminal investigations have been completed, we are happy to move forward with the civil case depositions. We will vigorously defend those cases with every ounce we have."
Johna Stallings, Harris County division chief of adult sex crimes and trafficking, said that she respects the grand jury's decision, which, according to her, caps criminal proceedings in the county.
Houston attorney Tony Buzbee is representing the 22 plaintiffs.
Buzbee, who quizzed Watson during the hearing, vowed to continue the questioning process as the litigation moves forward, KPRC reported.
“The civil cases will continue to gather steam . . . Respect the process," he said, according to the station.
Buzbee said he'll depose Watson Tuesday (March 15).
On the football side, Watson is looking to be traded out of Houston, NFL.com reported.
He made his demands known before the allegations.
Selected 12th in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft after leading Clemson to a national title, Watson suited up for the Texans for four seasons afterward.
He was inactive throughout the 2021 season as the Texans front office worked to trade him to no avail.
With the criminal aspect of the allegations behind him, Watson is determined to play again.
"It's definitely a very emotional moment for me . . . Going to keep fighting to rebuild my name and rebuild my appearance in the community. We're going to continue on the legal side, off the field, handle what we need to handle, but also ready to get back on the field."