The NFL announced in a statement to The Athletic on Tuesday that quarterback Deshaun Watson’s involvement in Houston Texans activities is currently “unrestricted,” while the league continues to examine sexual assault and misconduct allegations against him.
“The NFL’s investigation into the severe allegations leveled against Deshaun Watson is still continuing and active,” according to the statement.
The NFL has not been given access to meet with many of the plaintiffs in the 22 civil complaints filed against Watson, or to relevant third parties, according to a league source.
The league also lacks access to evidence acquired by authorities as part of their ongoing criminal investigation.
On Monday, a spokeswoman for Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, confirmed to The Athletic that ten women had made police complaints against Watson.
According to the spokeswoman, eight of the women are among the 22 women who have filed legal complaints against him.
Watson has not been sued civilly by two women who filed complaints with Houston police.
The Houston Police Department stated that an investigation is underway, but would to say how many people had filed complaints.
Watson has refuted all charges through his counsel.
Watson reported to Texans training camp on Sunday, despite a source told The Athletic on Sunday that he has still requested a trade.
Houston will start practicing on Wednesday.
Watson is still being investigated by the NFL for a possible violation of the league’s personal conduct policy.
The league has not indicated when they might talk to Watson, according to a representative for Hardin’s office.
Watson could still be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list if no criminal charges are filed, depending on the outcome of the NFL’s own investigation.
