BACK TO SQUARE ONE
This firsthand account of deposition paints fascinating picture for what awaits Deshaun Watson
Jan 25, 2022, 7:14 pm
Watson will be deposed over several days in February and March. Composite image by Jack Brame
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.
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Astros test new formula as Espada mixes the pieces
Aug 1, 2025, 4:05 pm
Carlos Correa is returning to Houston, giving the Astros a needed jolt for their infield with a stunning trade from the Minnesota Twins ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline, according to a person with direct knowledge of the deal.
Correa spent his first seven years in Houston, where he became one of the most beloved players in franchise history, helping the team to six playoff appearances, three American League pennants and its first World Series title in 2017 — a championship tainted by a sign-stealing scandal. The top pick in the 2012 amateur draft and 2015 AL Rookie of the Year was part of the homegrown core that helped the Astros go from the league’s laughingstock to perennial contenders.
Correa, who waived his no-trade clause, has exclusively played shortstop in his 11-year major league career but will almost certainly move to third base for the AL West leaders with shortstop Jeremy Peña close to returning from the injured list. The Astros need help at third with All-Star Isaac Paredes out indefinitely with a hamstring injury.
Charismatic and an unquestioned leader in the clubhouse, Correa could help galvanize a team that has managed to remain atop the division standings despite dealing with multiple injuries to both its lineup and pitching staff.
Correa reunites with second baseman Jose Altuve, who is the Astros’ longest tenured player and one of his closest friends on the team. When asked about the possibility of Correa returning to Houston on Wednesday, Altuve raved about him before saying: “So I think — if anything (were) to happen, I hope it’s the best for him and for us.”
The 30-year-old Correa was named to two of his three All-Star Games while with the Astros and won a Gold Glove Award in 2021. He seemed to embrace the villain role when Houston became the league’s most hated team after it was revealed the Astros illegally stole signs in their run to the 2017 title and during the 2018 season.
He left when he became a free agent before the 2022 season when the Astros wouldn’t pay him what he believed he was worth, signing a three-year deal worth just over $105 million. Correa opted out of that contract after one year but re-signed with the Twins on a six-year, $200 million deal, of which just under $100 million is still owed. The contract also includes vesting options for the 2029-2032 seasons.
While Correa’s defense at shortstop has been impeccable and his leadership in the clubhouse strong, the investment for the Twins simply hasn’t panned out. He played the 2023 season through plantar fasciitis in his left foot, batting just .230 with 131 strikeouts in 135 games and a pedestrian .711 OPS.
He shined in the playoffs, helping the Twins end a record 18-game postseason losing streak and win a series for the first time in 21 years, and was enjoying an All-Star season in 2024 before plantar fasciitis popped up again – this time in his right foot. He had to withdraw from the All-Star Game and didn’t return until mid-September, after the Twins were already mired in a sharp swoon that pushed them out of playoff contention.
Correa has been much healthier this year, but not as productive. His .905 OPS in 2024 has fallen to .704 this year, with seven home runs in 93 games.
The contract he signed 2 1/2 years ago now constitutes a much larger percentage of the team’s payroll, after a sharp decline in regional television revenue in light of the bankruptcy of Diamond Sports Group prompted a spending reduction by Twins ownership. The Pohlad family has since put the club up for sale.
What this deal really means for Houston!
Don't miss the video below as we react to the Correa news and discuss how these additions impact Houston in the short and long term. Do these moves make the Astros favorites to win the World Series? We wouldn't rule it out!
Plus, we share our thoughts on what Ramon Urias and Jesus Sanchez will provide after being traded to Houston!
The MLB season is approaching the homestretch! 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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