A Brazoria County, Texas, grand jury is considering evidence in a criminal complaint against Deshaun Waston alleging sexual misconduct during a massage therapy session, Tony Buzbee, the lawyer of the complainant, told The New York Times on Thursday.
This marks the second grand jury to weigh evidence against Watson pertaining to a criminal case. On March 11, a Harris County, Texas, grand jury determined there was not enough evidence to charge Watson with a crime following allegations of sexual misconduct.
The Brazoria County grand jury is considering a separate accusation than the ones heard in Harris County earlier this month, per The Times.
Watson, the former Houston Texans quarterback who was traded to the Cleveland Browns last week, also faces 22 civil lawsuits. The 26-year-old remains under NFL investigation and is subject to potential discipline under the league's personal-conduct policy.
Watson has denied the allegations against him. His lawyers have previously said "some sexual activity" happened during some of the appointments but that Watson never coerced anyone.
"We continue to closely monitor all developments in the matter," the NFL said in a statement Thursday.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that the Browns and the other teams involved in trade discussions – the Falcons, Panthers and Saints -- were aware of the potential for an additional grand jury outside of Harris County.
Watson arrived at the Browns' facility in Berea, Ohio, on Thursday to conduct a physical, per Garafolo.
The Browns announced their acquisition of Watson this past Sunday.
"We spent a tremendous amount of time exploring and investigating the opportunity to trade for Deshaun Watson," Jimmy and Dee Haslam said in a statement at the time. "We are acutely aware and empathetic to the highly personal sentiments expressed about this decision. Our team's comprehensive evaluation process was of utmost importance due to the sensitive nature of his situation and the complex factors involved."
