A Harris County judge has set a trial date for one of the last remaining active lawsuits against Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson.

According to USA Today,  the trial date is set for February 18, and Watson is being accused of sexual misconduct during massage appointments that occurred in 2020 and early 2021. 

Of the 27 lawsuits levied against Watson,  24 were settled confidentially. Three were withdrawn shortly after being filed in March 2021, another is pending and this one has been assigned for trial.

Rusty Hardin, Watson’s attorney, described the filing as a “sham lawsuit.” 

"He really has not done what they alleged he did," Hardin said on Wednesday. "I think a jury will agree with us, and that’s why we have courthouses... It’s just so sad he has to live with this five years later."

Throughout the legal ordeal, the plaintiff’s legal team has sought to get Watson to testify for another deposition in the case. Watson’s legal team has been fighting the request, saying it’s far too late for that after Watson previously sat for a deposition in the case on June 9, 2023.”

Watson’s other pending case that has been dormant for years could also be scheduled for trial next year, Hardin said Wednesday. Lauren Baxley, the plaintiff in that case, filed suit back in March 2021. She was one of the first to go public with sexual assault allegations against Watson.

Because of suspension and injuries, Watson has only played in 19 games for the Browns since he was traded to the team.  Currently, Watson is recovering from a second surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon.