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Deshaun Watson settles 20 sexual misconduct lawsuits but still faces trial

Deshaun Watson joined the Cleveland Browns from Houston

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson reaches confidential settlements on 20 sexual misconduct cases but still face trial over original complaint.

Deshaun Watson has reached a settlement on 20 of the 24 civil cases against filed against him for sexual misconduct.

The lawyer for all of the plaintiffs, Tony Buzbee, says all but four of the suits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate behaviour during massage sessions are being settled.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Watson, who denies all the accusations, has now reached confidential agreements with 20 of his accusers, but could still face a civil court trial on the rest.

Among the four cases that haven't settled is that of Ashley Solis - who is the original complainent who brought the first case against Watson.

Watson could yet face a suspension with a spokesman for the NFL saying that the settlements would have no impact in the league's own investigation.

Watson settles 20 cases but still faces trial

Buzbee says that the agreements reached between Watson and his clients will remain confidential.

"We are working through the paperwork related to those settlements," Buzbee said in a statement.
"Once we have done so, those particular cases will be dismissed. The terms and amounts of the settlements are confidential. We won't comment further on the settlements or those cases."
Buzbee added, though, that Solis, the first woman to file a complaint against Watson, did not settle and would be likely taking her case to court.
"Ashley Solis is one of the heroes of this story," Buzbee added. "Her case has not settled and thus her story and that of the other three brave women will continue.
"I look forward to trying these cases in due course, consistent with other docket obligations and the court's schedule."

Watson maintains innocence but could still be banned

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy warned that Watson could still face disciplinary action by the league despite the settlements.
"Today's development has no impact on the collectively bargained disciplinary process," McCarthy said.
A jury has twice decided against criminal proceedings against Watson, and he has always maintained his innocence.

"I've never forced anyone," he said recently in his first comments since joning the Browns. "I've never assaulted anyone.

"I've been saying it from the beginning and I'm going to continue to say it."

The Cleveland Browns acquired Watson in a huge trade with the Houston Texans, before then handing him a record $230million guaranteed deal.

Despite saying he is innocent, Watsin did voice his regret at the negative impact his case has had on his new team and their fans.
"I do understand that I do have regrets as far as the impact on the community and people outside of just myself," Watson added.
"And that includes my family. That includes this organization.
"That includes my teammates in this locker room that have to answer to these questions. That includes the fan base of the Cleveland Browns.
"That includes males, females, everyone across the, the world. That's one thing I do regret is the impact that it's triggered on so many people. It's tough to have to deal with."
READ MORE: Deshaun Watson signs record deal with the Cleveland Browns

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