Re: Rick and Zimmer both gone
Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2022 9:57 am
He's not closer to resolution, he's closer to clarity on how the case will proceed.Angels Wings wrote: ↑Fri Jan 14, 2022 12:38 am Yes...and it sounds like there may be resolution coming soon to the legal issues. Watson with Cook, Jefferson and Adam would be killer if it were to happen.
He is facing 22? lawsuits, 10? criminal complaints (although a little sketchy as to who has filed what) and possible commissioners exempt list (you can't play, practice or be at a facility).
The entire mess has dragged on, with no one reporting too much other than "investigations are ongoing". In theory they were talking about deposing witnesses for a grand jury "in January" but who knows.
The NFL won't determine exempt list until the legal tanglings are either completed or at least largely evident as to who did what. So it could be AFTER his "legal troubles" (before which no team in their right mind would risk playing him and forcing an NFL response) that he tacks on exempt list status. If a grand jury indicts him, guesses are that will put him on the exempt list. He stays there at least until legalities are concluded.
So Watson may not be available for another season (or more) if things go wicked sideways.
And although Watson did not play all the games, who does this statement remind you of?
"In the four years prior to Deshaun Watson, the Houston Texans were 29-35 and 1-2 in the playoffs. In the four years Watson played in Houston, the Texans were 29-35 and 1-2 in the playoffs."
Sure, Watson crushes the age and athleticism contest with Cousins. But neither one is an off-the-chart winner.
Unless it all clears up quickly - and charges dropped or settlements signed (which at least a handful of women refuse to sign to date) - I can't see even the most desperate new GM taking a chance, especially given the draft capital rumored to be required is still three number ones.
Maybe the grand jury fails to indict and it all blows away. But I doubt it.
And IMO there is zero chance a new GM will hang their hat on anything close to this type of transaction.