BACK TO SQUARE ONE
This firsthand account of deposition paints fascinating picture for what awaits Deshaun Watson
Jan 25, 2022, 7:14 pm
BACK TO SQUARE ONE
There’s a whole lot of doing – and nothing getting done – lately in the terminally neverending drama of Deshaun Watson and his future in football.
Recently floated rumors by “NFL insiders” have Watson as a package deal with hotly pursued coach Brian Flores, Watson to the Minnesota Vikings, Watson to the New York Giants, Watson to the Carolina Panthers.
Some samples:
“Developing story: Deshaun Watson and Brian Flores have been in constant communication trying to navigate a scenario where they go to the same team, per sources.”
“Sources tell me the biggest sleeper in the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes—the Minnesota Vikings.”
“As the Panthers continue to search for their quarterback of the future, a trade (for) Deshaun Watson remains an option.”
“After intense digging into the Coach Flores and Deshaun Watson situations, sources close to the situation say Flores and Watson have had no contact. Flores and Watson don’t have each other’s phone numbers.”
That’s some sources you’ve got there. A better way of putting it, we’re back to Square One with the prospect of Watson going nowhere and doing nothing for another year growing more possible. Again, sources.
There still is the matter of 22 civil lawsuits by masseuses accusing Watson of sexual misconduct. Also, a grand jury is considering the case, which could result in Watson facing criminal charges and a trial. The grand jury’s decision is expected soon.
Here’s what we know for sure, and by sure we mean it’s anybody’s guess how this plays out.
Tony Buzbee, lawyer for the 22 women filing civil suits against Watson, says he will depose Watson over several days in February and March. Sessions are scheduled for Feb. 24-25, Feb. 28, March 1, March 8-9, and March 22-23. The questioning will start at 10 a.m. each day in Buzbee’s downtown office. The deposition is not to exceed 48 hours total and will be videotaped.
Buzbee, champing at the bit for this deposition, will have Watson waxing nostalgic for the time he was gang tackled by the Chicago Bears for a safety. I’ve been there, deposed in a lawyer’s office. It’s an excruciating experience. The newspaper I worked for was being sued and the plaintiff’s side wanted to know what I knew. I was prepped, advised that the opposing lawyer would try to get me angry so I’d crack under pressure and say something dumb. I was grilled for about four hours, which consisted of the same question being asked 1,000 times in 1,000 different ways. I did my best Sgt. Schultz imitation, “I know nothing,” which happened to be the truth. I was closer to a typist in the steno pool than a boardroom executive at that newspaper.
Given the high publicity nature of the case, laughable security measures and outlandish stunts by both sides, I expect videotapes of Watson’s deposition to hit YouTube by 6 p.m.
Recently, a detailed copy of a $100,000 settlement offer by Watson to one of the accusers last October was leaked. Who leaked it? Suspects are limited to every cast member in this B-movie, straight-to-cable drama.
Like those “NFL insiders” speculating on Watson’s future, I have my sources, too. Not to brag, but my sources are just as unreliable as theirs.
Here’s one scenario: the grand jury says the accusations against Watson are worthy of a trial. Watson is found guilty of some sort of misdemeanor and pays a hefty fine. The NFL puts him on the commissioner’s exempt list and sidelines Watson for some, most or all of the 2022 season. Other teams back off trading for Watson and he stays with the Texans who would have to pay him for 2022.
Or Watson is innocent, the grand jury says there insufficient evidence for a trial to proceed, the women drop their civil suits, and Watson is free and clear to continue his career.
It’s a coin flip, and you know how football fans are loving coin flips these days.
The Astros didn’t leave Seattle with a series win, but they may have gained something just as important: a reminder that resilience still runs deep in this group.
After a grueling extra-inning loss on Saturday, one that included the loss of Isaac Paredes to a hamstring injury, Houston regrouped on Sunday and hammered the Mariners 11-3. Christian Walker provided the turning point with a much-needed go-ahead home run in the sixth inning, while Taylor Trammell added a two-run double and a solo shot of his own. With Chas McCormick back from the injured list but still finding his footing, Trammell is quickly making his case as the best option in center field moving forward.
Manager Joe Espada continues to juggle a lineup that’s been in constant flux. Rookie Cam Smith, who had a clutch two-run double in Sunday’s win, has struggled as of late, going just 2-for his last 24. While his ability to get hits in clutch situations has been extremely valuable, the lack of a consistent spot in the batting order may be taking its toll. Giving Smith a stable home in the cleanup spot, even temporarily, might be a helpful reset.
Then again, the cleanup role hasn’t been kind to everyone.
Last night, Christian Walker, batting 4th, went 0-4, 2 K
- Walker for the season, batting 4th: .167 BA, .498 OPS
- Both are MLB worst (min. 75 AB batting 4th, 51st of 51)
- His 210 AB batting 4th are 6th most in MLB
- He's hitting .317 w/ .887 OPS when batting anywhere but 4th
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) July 19, 2025
Walker has been markedly less effective when hitting fourth this season, a trend that continues despite his strong Sunday performance. Sometimes, the data is clear: the four-hole might not be for him. He's literally been the worst cleanup option in baseball this season. Hit him fifth.
Behind the plate, Victor Caratini continues to impress, while Yainer Diaz is back in a cold stretch. Since the break, Diaz is just 1-for-14, raising questions about his timing and confidence as the summer grind deepens.
On the mound, the biggest developments are happening off the field. Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti both completed three-inning rehab outings with Double-A Corpus Christi, while Luis Garcia threw two innings in a rehab start with Low-A Fayetteville. The trio’s return could mark a major turning point for the Astros, especially as Lance McCullers continues to struggle in his own comeback. McCullers lasted just 2 2/3 innings in Saturday’s loss, allowing four runs and showing little of the form that once made him one of the rotation’s anchors.
There’s been hesitancy to replace McCullers with someone like Arrighetti while he’s still building back arm strength, but the argument grows thinner each time McCullers falters. If healthy, even a three- or four-inning version of Javier or Arrighetti could give Houston more consistency at the back of the rotation.
Despite the weekend loss, the Astros still hold one of the best offenses in baseball, second in batting average, 12th in OPS, and 11th in slugging. The pitching staff remains stout, ranking sixth in ERA and second in WHIP. This team is far from unraveling.
With reinforcements on the way and a lineup that’s still capable of putting up crooked numbers, the Astros aren’t panicking. If anything, Sunday’s blowout win showed they’re ready to weather whatever’s next.
There's so much more to get to! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.
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