A judge in Houston has ruled that Deshaun Watson can face questions under oath in at least some of the 22 civil cases filed against him by women who have accused him of actions ranging from harassment to sexual assault during massage sessions.

Rusty Hardin, Watson's attorney, filed a motion last week to delay Watson's deposition until after April 1 and argued Monday that such a delay would enable Watson's legal team to secure depositions with all 22 of the women who are suing Watson and also allow Watson the protection of knowing whether he will also face criminal charges.

Watson's deposition was originally scheduled to begin as early as this week.

The court ruled Monday that Watson can be questioned under oath on allegations relating to nine of the pending civil cases. None of the women involved in those nine cases has filed a criminal complaint against Watson, and all of them have already provided depositions of their own in their ongoing civil cases.

Roger Goodell is negotiating a contract extension to remain as commissioner of the NFL.

“He’s at the top of his game right now,” said one owner. “Why would we want him walking out the door?”

The NFL denied negotiations are occurring. “There is no truth to this report,” said Brian McCarthy, league vice president of communications.

Sources said Goodell’s negotiations are centered on extending his current deal for between two to four years beyond its expiration date of March 2024. He reportedly made $63.9 million in each of the past two seasons as part of his current incentive-laden deal. 

Goodell's 2017 extension was fraught with issues, but this time he can expect to receive overwhelming support. 

Goodell managed to avoid any lost games to the COVID-19 pandemic, signed $110 billion worth of deals with broadcasters, ensured labor peace through the 2030 season, and the league just posted a 10% gain in viewership.

The lack of a clear successor is a factor, and Goodell himself has played a role in that, sources said.

Adrian Peterson was arrested Sunday morning at Los Angeles International Airport in connection with what airport officials said was domestic violence.

According to a Los Angeles Airport Police statement, they received a call around 8:30 a.m. local time about possible domestic violence on board an aircraft bound for Houston.

Peterson, 36, was booked at the Los Angeles Police Department Pacific Division. He was given a $50,000 bail and released Sunday afternoon on bond.

A representative for Peterson and his wife, Ashley, said in a statement that the two "had a verbal argument" on the flight.

Alvin Kamara was arrested following Sunday's Pro Bowl in Las Vegas.

The Las Vegas Police Department announced that Kamara was taken into custody after a person at a local hospital alleged that the person had been battered at a night club in South Las Vegas.

The incident allegedly happened on Saturday. 

Brian Flores alleges that Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross offered to pay him $100,000 per loss to enhance the team’s draft position in 2019.

Flores also alleges that Ross also pressured Flores to recruit a “prominent quarterback in violation of League tampering rules” but did not name the player in question.

The allegations are contained within a lawsuit filed by Flores. Flores is suing the NFL and multiple teams alleging unfair treatment of Blacks as head coaches, coordinators and general managers in the NFL.