Couple quick comments on the #DeshaunWatson case.

The Defense has filed the same Motion with the Court on the first two cases that were filed against Watson.

I had been wondering when Watson's camp would jump into the fray and here we are. Here's what's going on...

1/

In civil court there is an initial petition filed in any case (the 22 suits filed already by the Plaintiffs). The Defendant then has a limited amount of time in which to file what is called an "Answer". That Answer usually is a denial of all the allegations in the petition.

2/

Failing to file an Answer means the petition is automatically accepted as true and judgment is entered against the Defendant.

I'm not licensed in Texas, but a quick google search shows that Texas has an Answer time limit of 20 days. That is coming fast for the initial suits.

3/

Watson's camp has filed a Motion asking that the court force petitioner to reveal her identity. Their argument is based on the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, as well as some controlling case law.

The legal arguments seem decent. Nothing exciting, except...

4/

...that defense counsel has noted that their Answer is due 4/19. That's when the case will get going in earnest.

Whether the motion is granted or not is not super important, but they are asking the petition be dismissed if Jane Doe isn't identified.

5/

To be clear, I don't know the validity of the case law cited, so I'm not going to comment.

But these cases are most likely NOT going to be dismissed if Defendant wins - the petitioner will get an opportunity to amend the complaint with the victim's name and it will proceed.

6/

Legally, and for the ultimate outcome of the case, I don't think this motion is a big deal. The media is seizing on the nugget because it's new. But I don't think it's overly important in the grand scheme of things.

7/

The last thing I wanted to comment on was the parade of massage therapists Watson's camp has brought forward to support him.

I understand why they did this, but as a defense attorney I can't think of a worse tactic in this situation.

8/

Saying "look at all these women who had no issues in their massages with him" is like saying "I went to Walmart 131 times without stealing! That means this last time when you think I stole something it's less likely I actually did it." Sounds ludicrous right?

It is.

9/

It tells me 1 of 2 things:

- Watson's camp is feeling cornered with all the bad press & figured that was their only play
- Watson was advised not to do this and he told the attorney to do it anyway (you'd be surprised how often the client chooses to ignore your advice)

10/

I just can't see how that helps their case. In fact, it shows weakness to me. But that's just MHO.

The next major data points are:
- Answers filed in the first cases from mid-March
- Houston PD's actions regarding the lone criminal complaint

I'll keep you posted!

11/11