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Getty Images Not every development in an inherently public controversy requires a response. Sometimes, the best response is no response at all. On Tuesday, lawyer Rusty Hardin arguably would have better served his client by not responding to the compelling presentation made by Ashley Solis, the first of the 22 individuals suing Deshaun Watson for assault and harassment to attach her name to the litigation and to speak publicly regarding the situation. Hardin’s lengthy statement seeks a “gotcha” moment by attacking this specific claim made by Ashley Solis during her presentation to reporters: “People say that I’m doing this just for money. That is false.” Hardin’s statement attempts to characterize that as a lie, and in turn Ashley Solis as a liar, by sharing chapter-and-verse details regarding settlement discussions that occurred before her lawsuit was filed three weeks ago. Although Hardin uses the term “hush money” to describe the opening settlement demand, the email … [Read more...] about Latest Rusty Hardin statement on behalf of Deshaun Watson could backfire

Getty Images A Washington Post interview of attorney Tony Buzbee includes plenty of flavor and context regarding the maneuverings that happened between the lawyers handling the 22 civil cases filed against Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson . The interview also has one significant bit of news. Per Will Hobson of the Post , five of Buzbee’s clients have spoken to the Houston Police Department regarding Watson. Watson has denied any an all wrongdoing. Buzbee shared with Hobson details regarding efforts to settle the case. Buzbee reiterated his frustration with the failure of Watson’s management team to take the situation seriously before the first lawsuit was filed. After Buzbee made a $100,000 settlement demand on behalf of the first plaintiff to file suit, Scott Gaffield of Athletes First did not respond with a firm offer but asked Buzbee to replace his original request with a new one. “He wanted us to bid against ourselves,” Buzbee told Hobson. “And I was done.” … [Read more...] about Five women suing Deshaun Watson have spoken to police

The NFL has reportedly issued a new memo to teams in response to a handful of players across multiple franchises announcing boycotts of the league's offseason voluntary workout program, citing COVID-19 concerns. According to a new memo obtained on Wednesday by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport , the league outlined an offseason schedule that will be comprised of four weeks of virtual work, one week of on-field teaching work beginning May 17, then four weeks of OTAs and minicamp. Only the minicamps will be mandatory. Several NFL teams came out Tuesday night and issued statements in close conjunction with each other regarding voluntary workouts going on during the COVID-19 pandemic. Players from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced Tuesday that they will join the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks in boycotting the voluntary offseason workout program, preferring a virtual program instead. On Wednesday, the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots made the same decision. “With … [Read more...] about NFL issues memo in response to players boycotting voluntary workouts amid COVID-19 concerns

The Super Bowl champions are the latest to join a boycott of the NFL’s spring OTAs due to health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Players from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced Tuesday that they will be joining the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks in boycotting the voluntary offseason workout program, preferring a virtual program instead. The NFLPA released a statement on behalf of the Tampa Bay players Tuesday evening. “NFL players across our league are a group of professionals who care about our jobs, our community, and our families,” the statement read . “We made a commitment to the organization, to Bucs fans, and to each other that we would come back to try and bring another world championship to Tampa Bay. “We know that our union worked to negotiate safety protocols, but in light of the ongoing pandemic, we are choosing to take a stand with other players across the league and exercise our right to not participate in the voluntary offseason program. We … [Read more...] about Buccaneers join Broncos, Seahawks in boycott of NFL offseason workouts

A lot of teams are opting out of the voluntary workouts this offseason. But for the New England Patriots, players are beginning their trek back to the field and reporting. Other NFL teams cite health and safety concerns as to why they are not reporting this spring. However, quarterback Cam Newton showed up among other players according to a report. According to ESPN New England Patriots reporter Mike Reiss, Newton is the leader among the players attending. “Patriots' voluntary offseason program begins today, with the 1st phase extending through May 14,” Reiss tweeted. “This phase includes virtual meetings of up to 2 hours per day, with facilities and weight rooms open with capacity limits. Cam Newton among those leading the charge in attendance.” An example of a team opting out of the voluntary work was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier this month. The NFLPA released a statement on behalf of the organization. “NFL players across our league are a group … [Read more...] about Report: Cam Newton leading charge for Patriots at OTA’s