Houston Texans

Deshaun Watson could be suspended for more than 6 games after all ... the NFL announced Wednesday it is appealing Monday's initial ruling.

The league had three days to decide if it would appeal Sue L. Robinson's choice to only ban Watson for six games, and after using nearly every allotted hour, The Shield revealed it will now do it.

According to a statement from the league, the appeal will either be heard by commissioner Roger Goodell or his designee. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Goodell or his designee will then "issue a written decision that will constitute final disposition of the dispute and is binding."

It is expected that this will mean Watson will serve a ban longer than six games.

In fact, famed business and legal analyst Andrew Brandt told "TMZ Live" on Tuesday he expected that if the league appealed the suspension, it would not only increase the ban, but would also tag on a "big fine."

As we reported, Robinson initially handed down the suspension after she ruled the 26-year-old QB had been sexually inappropriate with multiple female massage therapists.

The NFL is in a damned-if-it-does, damned-if-it-doesn't situation regarding the appeal of Deshaun Watson's suspension ... so says Andrew Brandt, who said on "TMZ Live" on Tuesday the league is now in a "really tricky" spot.

With Sue L. Robinson suspending the Cleveland Browns star six games on Monday following allegations the 26-year-old QB was sexually inappropriate with multiple female massage therapists, the NFL now has roughly one and a half more days to decide if it wants to appeal that ban.

Most think the league should -- six games, after all, feels awfully light when considering the nature, and number, of the accusations -- but Brandt told Harvey and Charles appealing to make sure Watson serves a longer punishment is no slam dunk.

As for why -- the famed business and legal analyst says the NFL might not want to undermine Robinson's decision ... seeing as the league will be working with the former judge on similar cases in the future.

"That may be why -- along with changing the focus to back on the field -- to say, 'OK, we're going to take the six games and run,'" Brandt said. "Even though the public opinion on the other side is that this is way too light."

If the NFL does ultimately decide to appeal, Brandt said he expects Watson's suspension to significantly lengthen.

"It's going to be fascinating to see if they do [appeal] or not," he said.

John Metchie III -- one of the Houston Texans' second-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft -- has been diagnosed with Leukemia ... and will likely miss the entire season while fighting the cancer.

The 22-year-old announced the news on Sunday ... saying doctors have thankfully described it as "the most curable form of Leukemia."

"I am currently receiving great medical care, am in good spirits and I expect to make a recovery at a later point in time," Metchie III added.

The receiver -- who played a huge role for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide the past two years -- said he will almost certainly have to sit out his rookie season in order to recover.

"My main focus will be on my health and recovery," he said. "Thank you in advance for your support and well-wishes. I cannot wait to come back stronger than ever. God bless."

Metchie III -- who piled up 2,081 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns the last two years at Alabama -- was expected to be a key contributor for the Texans after being selected with the No. 44 overall pick in April.

A Houston Texans running back has been charged with burglary with intent to rape just days before the team kicks off its 2022 training camp ... TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Harris County court records show Darius Anderson -- a 24-year-old tailback who's a member of the Texans' practice squad -- was hit with the felony charge on July 15.

Further details surrounding the allegations against Anderson are unclear. We've reached out to law enforcement as well as Anderson's attorney for comment, but so far, no word back yet.

The Texans, meanwhile, released a statement Monday night saying they are aware of the claims against their halfback.

"We are gathering information," the team added, "and have no further comment at this time."

Anderson, who starred at TCU, initially broke into the NFL in 2020 after signing as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys. He was waived by the team a few months later, but then signed with the Indianapolis Colts.

Following a short stint in Indy, Anderson signed to the Texans' practice squad in Dec. 2021. He has yet to play in an NFL game.

The women who have accused the Houston Texans of enabling Deshaun Watson's sexual misconduct against them have settled their cases with the NFL team, their lawyer, Tony Buzbee, announced Friday.

The attorney, who's representing the 30 women making the claims, did not disclose financial details of the settlement in his announcement.

"I will have no further comment on the allegations or the Texans' role, other than to say that there is a marked contrast in the way in which the Texans addressed these allegations, and the way in which Watson’s team has done so," Buzbee said.

As we previously reported, Toi Garner -- a female masseuse -- sued the Texans last month ... after she said the football team was partly to blame for the assault she says Watson committed on her during a massage session in Nov. 2020.

In her suit, Garner alleged the Texans turned "a blind eye" to Watson's "egregious behavior," and, in fact, helped enable it.

Buzbee had said at the time of the lawsuit's filing that several more women were planning to file similar suits against the football team.

But, in his announcement Friday, Buzbee said "all of the women who have made, or intended to make, claims against the Houston Texans organization have resolved their claims."

As for the cases against Watson, Buzbee announced in June that all but four of the quarterback's accusers had settled with him. Buzbee said Friday those four unsettled cases are still continuing onward.

"We hope to try them all in the spring of next year," he said. "In the meantime, we will continue to do the important work to prepare for such.”

For his part, Watson -- who was never arrested or charged over the claims -- has denied any wrongdoing.

The Houston Texans have just been sued ... by a woman alleging the team "enabled" Deshaun Watson's sexual misconduct against her and other female masseuses.

Plaintiff Toi Garner claims during a November 2020 massage, Watson "assaulted and harassed [Garner] by aggressively exposing his naked body to her, purposely touching her with his penis, and ultimately ejaculating onto her."

What’s more, Garner claims the Houston Texans are partly to blame for what Watson did to her and to dozens of other woman.

Garner’s attorney, Tony Buzbee -- who represents the more than 20 female massage therapists who have alleged Watson was inappropriate with them during therapy sessions – writes in the suit that the Texans not only turned "a blind eye" to Watson's "egregious behavior," but in fact helped.

The suit claims despite the fact the Texans were well aware of Watson’s conduct, they allowed him to use one of their massage tables and provided a non-disclosure agreement to Watson which he then "pressed women to sign at the massage sessions."

Buzbee, in a statement following the suit's filing, said this case was the first "of what will likely be many against the Houston Texans related to Deshaun Watson’s behavior."

"Suffice it to say," Buzbee added, "the overwhelming evidence collected indicating that the Houston Texans enabled Watson’s behavior is incredibly damning. We believe the Texans knew or most certainly should have known of Watson’s conduct. Beyond that, we believe the filing speaks for itself."

The Texans also issued a statement following the suit's filing, saying, "We are aware of the lawsuit filed against us today. Since March 2021, we have fully supported and complied with law enforcement and the various investigations."

"We will continue to take the necessary steps to address the allegations against our organization."

Simone Biles is officially engaged ... her boyfriend, Houston Texans safety Jonathan Owens, proposed to her on Valentine's Day -- and she said yes!!

Owens just posted pictures of the big moment, saying Biles "really had no clue what was coming."

The football player also shared a video and pics of the ring he used to ask the question with -- and it's spectacular.

In the pics, you can see Biles was thrilled over it all, smiling ear-to-ear and showing off her new diamond-clad hand.

Biles also commented on it all, saying it was "THE EASIEST YES."

"I can’t wait to spend forever & ever with you," she said, "you’re everything I dreamed of and more! let’s get married FIANCÉ."

Biles and Owens began dating in 2020 and have been inseparable ever since. Owens was super supportive of her during her low moments at the Olympics, and Biles has been spotted regularly at his football practices and games over the past couple years.

Congrats!!

Brian Flores would have the Texans job if it weren't for his lawsuit against the NFL ... so says the coach's lawyers, who claim his legal battle is the main reason Lovie Smith got hired.

Houston announced the 63-year-old defensive coordinator would be taking over as head coach of the Texans on Monday ... and Flores, per his team, is happy with the hire -- but feels he should have been the guy.

"Mr. Flores is happy to hear that the Texans have hired a Black head coach, Lovie Smith, as Mr. Flores' goal in bringing his case is to provide real opportunities for Black and minority candidates to be considered for coaching and executive positions within the NFL," Douglas H. Wigdor and John Elefterakis said in a statement.

"However, we would be remiss not to mention that Mr. Flores was one of three finalists for the Texans' head coach position and, after a great interview and mutual interest, it is obvious that the only reason Mr. Flores was not selected was his decision to stand up against racial inequality across the NFL."

As we previously reported, Flores is currently suing the league over its alleged racist hiring process ... in hopes of bringing change to the NFL.

Deshaun Watson made a rare public appearance this week -- celebrating his girlfriend Jilly Anais' birthday with partying, slow dancing and an expensive diamond gift.

The Houston Texans quarterback -- who hasn't played all season -- has remained relatively low-key as he faces multiple sexual misconduct allegations from massage therapists ... but appeared to be in great spirits at the b-day bash.

Watson was by his girl's side throughout the night ... smiling and sharing a romantic dance as a saxophonist played a slow tune.

DW also came through with a special present for his GF of more than 2 years ... giving her a custom Cuban link piece featuring her nickname, "Lovebug."

Watson and Anais appear to be as strong as ever ... even with the legal battles he's faced in 2021.

The two partied with family and friends throughout the night ... and Jilly got tons of gifts -- including Chanel and a custom painting -- from those in attendance.

Brandin Cooks appears to be VERY upset at his team for trading away Mark Ingram ... saying "this is bulls***" just minutes after the Texans agreed to jettison the running back.

Houston is sending Ingram to the New Orleans Saints for draft picks, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero ... and shortly after the news broke, Cooks took to Twitter to presumably sound off on his org.

"This is bulls***," the star wide receiver said. "Such a joke."

While it's certainly possible Cooks was referring to something completely different than the trade -- it seems safe to assume the guy is definitively mad at Houston brass for the move.

Ingram hasn't exactly been tearing it up this season ... but the Texans have now traded away or cut multiple key veterans in the past few weeks -- and Cooks is no doubt upset about it, given Houston is 1-6 this season and doesn't look to be trying to improve its roster.

Cooks, though, might not have to put up with the head-scratching, money-saving decisions much longer ... he, too, is reportedly on the trading block.

Simone Biles' romance with Jonathan Owens may need to go more long distance than usual this football season ... 'cause the Houston Texans have just cut the gymnast's boyfriend.

The Texans made the move in paring down their roster to 53 on Tuesday ... which is, of course, sad news considering how smitten Owens and Biles appeared to be in Houston.

You'll recall ... the two athletes began dating about a year ago, and have formed a great relationship while living together in Texas.

The couple has been spotted out in Houston often ... with Biles famously attending a bunch of Owens' Texans practices after she returned from the Tokyo Olympics earlier this month.

Owens is now a free agent ... and any team could sign him and potentially pull him away from Texas.

There is a chance, however, Owens could stick around the Texans' org ... he's eligible to be a part of the team's practice squad -- and it actually seems likely he'll end up there, given he had a role on the Texans' P.S. last season.

Either way, we're betting the couple's relationship will power through it all regardless ... 'cause the two have been inseparable since getting together in 2020.

In fact, Biles just celebrated the pair's 1-year anniversary earlier this month ... joking on social media, "so happy past 1 year to the best thing that’s ever happened to you: ME."

Good luck, J.O.!

The FBI is now involved in the Deshaun Watson sexual misconduct case ... so says the NFL star's accusers' attorney, who claims federal agents have launched their own probe into the quarterback.

Tony Buzbee -- who represents the more than 20 female massage therapists who have alleged Watson was inappropriate with them during rub-down sessions -- made the surprising claim this week.

In an interview with League of Justice & Amy Dash, Buzbee says FBI agents have spoken with him and Watson's accusers on multiple occasions over the past few days.

"They contacted me and I've met with them three times now and now they've met with several of the plaintiffs in the case," Buzbee said.

Buzbee explained the agents told them they think they have jurisdiction in the case due to the way Watson allegedly reached out to the women in several states over social media direct messaging -- and the alleged encounters themselves took place in different states.

But, Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, is calling B.S. on it all ... saying in a statement, "I have absolutely no reason to believe that Deshaun is being investigated by the FBI."

He added, "Mr. Buzbee's comments are just part of a long, continuing pattern of just trying to harm Deshaun in the public perception. It is despicable conduct and I hope one day people will hold him accountable when the whole truth comes out."

The FBI, meanwhile, would not confirm nor deny if it was investigating the 25-year-old ... according to the League of Justice & Amy Dash's report.

Deshaun Watson is clearly fed up with the media frenzy surrounding Houston Texans training camp ... bluntly saying, "Why are y’all always filming me every day?? It’s the same s***."

Of course, reporters have been following the 25-year-old's every move since July 28 ... documenting his reps, presence/absence and everything in between.

While a star QB like Watson would usually garner most of the attention from cameras, he's especially in the spotlight amid sexual misconduct accusations from more than 20 women who claim he crossed the line during massage appointments in the past.

Watson appeared to reach a breaking point as he walked off the field on Thursday ... throwing his hands up and questioning why the media continues to focus on him.

The NFL has not suspended or taken any other action against Watson as the criminal investigations and civil lawsuits continue ... which would explain why reporters are watching his every move.

There have been reports the Texans have tried to end camp early to keep reporters from having access to Watson ... but the plan backfired and the league forced the team to continue training in front of the media.

This is one of the first times Watson has spoken with the media since the allegations came forward ... and it wasn't the best interaction.

Deshaun Watson is no longer the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans -- at least on paper -- the team just released their newest depth chart ... with the troubled star listed as their 4th string QB.

The Texans are just three days from their first preseason game against the Green Bay Packers ... and as of right now, Tyrod Taylor will be under center when the team takes the field.

After Taylor -- who signed a one-year deal in March -- is Jeff Driskel, Davis Mills ... and then Watson at 4.

FYI -- this is considered an "unofficial depth chart" by the Texans, even though it was just updated on August 10 by their PR team.

Watson has been the Texans starter since 2017 ... but has been openly requesting a trade from the team, especially after the DeAndre Hopkins trade last March.

Plus, there are more issues than football -- Watson is facing sexual misconduct allegations from over 20 female massage therapists who claim things went overboard during their sessions with the QB.

While the NFL and police are still investigating, Watson is allowed at training camp ... and he has practiced with limited reps.

Texans head coach David Culley announced on Tuesday because of the limited amount of practice, the 3-time Pro Bowler probably won't play at the Packers game nor will he travel with the team.

Simone Biles was treated like royalty after making her return from Tokyo ... with tons of fans lining up to get a glimpse of the Olympics superstar in Texas!!

24-year-old Biles touched down in Houston on Thursday ... and was immediately greeted by her biggest supporters at the airport, as well as her beloved French bulldog.

The party continued in parade form ... with the 4-time gold medalist cruising through the streets in a turquoise Range Rover convertible -- naturally, the fans went nuts.

USA Gymnastics teammate Jordan Chiles was also part of the festivities ... popping out of the sunroof of a minivan and giving all the fans a wave.

Once the hype settled down, Biles decided to check out Houston Texans training camp Friday ... of course, we're assuming her eyes were laser-focused on #36 -- her NFL player boyfriend, Jonathan Owens.

Owens previously talked about his boo at Texans practice ... saying he was proud of the way she handled herself and offered advice every day while she was in Japan.

Despite Simone's controversial time in Tokyo, the folks in the Houston area showed nothing but love for their local hero.

A sexual misconduct investigation is NOT keeping Deshaun Watson away from the Texans practice field ... the star QB worked out with his Houston team Wednesday, seemingly unbothered by it all.

Cameras captured the 25-year-old hitting Texans practice in full workout gear ... throwing passes, participating in drills and running around without any issues whatsoever.

It's unclear, though, what the Texans' plan for Watson is going forward ... the team's general manager, Nick Caserio, dodged questions about the QB's status before he hit the field Wednesday.

Caserio declined to say how much Watson would do, if he was the team's starter, if he'd be traded, or how a criminal investigation into Watson plays into all of the above.

"From our perspective," the Houston exec said, "it's a day-to-day endeavor."

The NFL said Tuesday it's placing "no restrictions" on Watson yet ... even though more than 20 female massage therapists have accused him of crossing the line during what were supposed to be routine rubdown sessions.

Twenty-two women have sued the quarterback ... and Watson's attorney says 10 women have filed criminal complaints against Deshaun as well.

Both police and the NFL say they're investigating it all.

Watson has denied the allegations ... and his reps have said any sexual encounters he had with female masseuses were entirely consensual.