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The Houston attorney representing the more than a dozen women who sued Cleveland Browns and former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson for sexual assault and harassment said on Tuesday 20 of the 24 lawsuits have been settled, per reports from Houston-based media outlets.
Tony Buzbee of The Buzbee Law Firm confirmed the settlements in an issued statement but didn't disclose the financial details, Houston ABC affiliate KTRK reported.
"Once we have done so, those particular cases will be dismissed," the attorney said in the statement, KTRK reported. "The terms and amounts of the settlements are confidential."
According to KTRK, neither Watson, his representatives nor his attorney, Rusty Hardin, provided an immediate reaction to the settlements much less confirm the development.
The station reported that Buzbee credited complainant Ashley Solis for being the first to bring attention to the former first-round pick's alleged misconduct.
"I was convinced that our law firm should try to help her," Buzbee said in the statement.
Houston NBC affiliate KPRC reported that the plaintiffs' attorney praised his clients for their bravery from their first meeting with his firm to now.
“I am incredibly proud to represent them all," Buzbee said in the statement. "They have endured vile criticism and fanatical ignorance. They faced withering cross examination by skilled litigators and stood firm. They are warriors all."
The allegations against Watson took root in early 2021 after the most recent season he played for the Texans, according to Houston Daily.
On Tuesday, June 14, the former Clemson star asserted his innocence as additional suits were filed against him, ESPN reported.
The sports news and entertainment giant also reported that Watson expressed regret over the litigation's impact on his new team, who traded for him in March.
As the Texans' field general, Watson threw for nearly 15,000 yards and more than 100 touchdowns through 54 games, according to the website Pro Football Reference.