Second Texas grand jury declines to charge Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson

By Andy Rose, CNN

Updated 0030 GMT (0830 HKT) March 25, 2022

Deshaun Watson, shown warming up before an NFL game in 2021, still faces 22 civil complaints.

(CNN)A second Texas grand jury investigation into former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has ended without any charges, Brazoria County's top prosecutor announced Thursday afternoon.

«After a careful and thorough review of the facts and evidence documented in the reports prepared by the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office and the Houston Police Department, as well as hearing testimony from witnesses, the Grand Jury for Brazoria County has declined to charge Deshaun Watson with any crimes,» District Attorney Tom Selleck said in a written statement.«Accordingly, this matter is closed,» Selleck said.The statement did not specify what allegations were being considered by the grand jury against Watson. He is facing 22 civil lawsuits, many of them alleging sexual assault and misconduct. «We are thrilled that the Brazoria County grand jury cleared Deshaun Watson of the one remaining criminal allegation,» Watson's lead attorney Rusty Hardin said in a statement. «We've known all along what people who learn the facts also know — Deshaun committed no crimes.»Read MoreTexas grand jury declines to charge NFL QB Deshaun WatsonSince the lawsuits were filed, Watson has been traded to the Cleveland Browns. The Browns have defended signing Watson, saying they carried out a «comprehensive evaluation» beforehand. Watson is also being investigated by the NFL, and if he is found to have violated league rules, he likely would be suspended. NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said: «We continue to closely monitor all developments in the matter which remains under review of the personal