Thread by @DrewFBGAuctions

With the #DeshaunWatson trade dominating the cycle it's a good time to remind you of the situation he's facing.

There is a lot of imprecise language out there so be careful who you are listening to. Here's a quick thread on the situation.

Time for a #FFLegalUpdate!

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First, I think it's important to remember that in this situation more than anything there are 2 things we have to be careful with:

1 - Thinking we know who is right. We don't have NEARLY enough information to judge this. Treat both sides with respect while it plays out.

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2 - Using the wrong language. Here's a quick glossary.

In Civil cases:
Watson = Defendant
Women Who Filed = Plaintiffs

In the Criminal cases:
There are no "charges" yet. The only thing pending with Houston Police Department are "Complaints".

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I used to do criminal intake for a prosecutor's office. Citizens who wish to allege someone has committed a criminal offense against them have the right to file a Complaint that is then reviewed by Police or Prosecutors for possible charges. That is where we are right now.

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We are waiting on at least 10 criminal complaints to be resolved by the HPD.

In the civil case those are simply called Suits, not charges. Big difference.

In a civil suit they only need to prove it happened by a "preponderance of the evidence".

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That phrase means - is it more probable not not that it happened? Much different burden of proof than a criminal case (which is the highest burden under law).

In all situations the women are referred to as victims, complainants, or even more precisely - alleged victims.

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Ok, I thought that stuff was important to say because I see a lot of sloppy language with this case and it definitely matters. Seeing "but he did it because he has 22 charges against him!" makes me cringe on about 7 levels. Words matter.

Ok, some more quick thoughts...

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I said in my last thread that I believed the NFL wouldn't act on this until there was a reason to act. When they didn't place Watson on the exempt list to start camp they were never going to do something *unless something new happened*.

#FFLegalUpdate

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I believed that *something* would happen before the season, but I was wrong. The pressure never built enough for the dam to break civilly, criminally, or with a trade. Part of that pressure not building was the NFL not acting.

#FFLegalUpdate

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I've heard reputable news sources give credence to this idea this week, even one person quoting league sources saying there was no reason to act because they didn't have to.

IF the trade rumors come to fruition then I would guess that forces the league's hand.

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But again, I'm not an NFL punishment expert, but that's where I stand.

As far as the legal process goes, I'm surprised there hasn't been more conversation around depositions in the civil cases. They were able to be deposed already, but to my knowledge it hasn't happened.

11/

And again, we still wait on the biggest piece of information - the criminal complaints pending with HPD.

I find it hard to believe the NFL would let him play with all of that pending, but I've been surprised before (See: Hill, Tyreek).

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Where this leaves me is in a spot I didn't expect to be as Halloween is upon us. I'm getting more concerned about 2022.

IF Watson escapes felony charges, and any other possible charges are handled quickly, he could be fine. But the longer it goes in 2021, the more...

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...I get concerned that we see an Antonio Brown situation. While he sat out as a "free agent" I assumed he would escape a long suspension once he signed with a team. He still got 8 games.

The fact that he's sitting may NOT matter to the NFL once they decide on a suspension

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So again, a million things COULD happen, but the possible conclusions are narrowing.

We still don't know why HPD is taking so long, but in my previous thread I guessed that it had now turned into a good data point for Watson.

#FFLegalUpdate
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But either way as we stare down November my focus is starting to shift to the impact on 2022. I don't believe Watson will have a meaningful impact on this year's fantasy season. I remain in the camp that he should not be on redraft rosters.

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But I'm now starting to be concerned about 2022 because it is Week 7 and he has served zero days of suspension/exempt list time. That has me worried.

Things could still work out for him - but I've been saying that since May and my confidence in his maneuverings is low.

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Keep in mind that HPD is supposed to be presenting this case to the Grand Jury. GJs meet to consider felony charges (indictments). That could be a CYA, it could be everything.

We just don't know. And to me, there are far too many hurdles for redraft relevancy.

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Thanks for reading if you got this far! I'll do an #FFLegalUpdate on #TheAuctionBrief next week with more detail so tune in!

Please RT if you enjoyed the thread and the spirit moves you. Otherwise thanks for your time and enjoy Thursday Night Football!

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