The NFL has suspended Texans minority owner Javier Loya indefinitely, and for a minimum of six months, along with a $500,000 fine. Loya disagrees with the outcome.
“I have cooperated fully with the league from the moment this matter arose,” Loya said in a statement from The Voice Society, a P.R. firm. “All charges against me were dismissed over a year ago, and I have remained transparent, respectful, and forthcoming throughout the process.
“Although I voluntarily stood down from all team and league activities for more than two and a half years, I respectfully disagree with the NFL’s decision. I have always conducted myself with integrity, and I am grateful that the legal process ultimately resulted in the dismissal of all charges.
“I will continue to cooperate to address any remaining questions directly with league leadership, and I look forward to seeking reinstatement and returning my full focus to supporting my family and the Houston community.”
The most serious charges against Loya were indeed dismissed. He accepted a misdemeanor charge of “harassment with intent to annoy.”
Loya may apply for reinstatement in June 2026.
More than a year after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor harassment charge that resolved a criminal sexual abuse case, Texans minority owner Javier Loya has received a punishment under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy.
Via Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle, the league has suspended Loya indefinitely. He also was fined $500,000. Loya may apply for reinstatement in June 2026.
In a statement to the Chronicle, the league said Loya has had no involvement with the Texans or league affairs since being charged in 2023.
The case against Loya reportedly traced to a pair of parties at his Louisville home in May 2022. For both, Loya allegedly hired female models from a local agency. The models accused him of sexual abuse.
As to the first party, one of the women reportedly claimed Loya “touched her and spoke to her in a sexual manner, grabbing her butt and breasts without her consent.” As to the second party, multiple women reportedly alleged that Loya “touched them, kissed them and pulled their hair, among other allegations.” One woman claims Loya “reached his hand inside her underwear and penetrated her.” Another woman reportedly contended that Loya picked her up, threw him over her shoulder, and placed his hand inside her underwear.
Loya was charged with one count of rape, five counts of first-degree sexual abuse, and one count of third-degree sexual abuse. He denied all charges.
“The Texans cooperated with the NFL’s investigation and fully support the suspension of Javier Loya, one of our outside limited partners,” the Texans told the Chronicle in a statement. “This behavior has no place in our organization or our community. Since charges were first filed, Mr. Loya has been prohibited from participating in any Club or League activities. That will continue indefinitely in accordance with the NFL’s decision.”
The lack of any formal action against Loya was raised by attorney Tony Buzbee in a letter to Commissioner Roger Goodell regarding the legal claims of Cary McNair, the son of late Texans founder Robert McNair and the brother of Texans owner Cal McNair.
While both the league and the Texans have used the ominous-sounding term “indefinite” in describing the ban, Loya definitely may apply for reinstatement in six months.
The NFL has announced two Saturday games for the Week 17 schedule.
On Saturday, December 27, the Texans will play the Chargers at 4:30 p.m. ET on NFL Network. Then the Ravens will play the Packers at 8 p.m. ET on Peacock.
The NFL uses flexible scheduling to put big games in broadcast windows that everyone can watch. The league announced when the schedule came out during the offseason that there would be games on Saturday, December 27, but it did not announce at the time which games would be played on that date. Now we know it’s Texans-Chargers and Ravens-Packers, two games featuring four teams in playoff contention.
The league will also play two games on the final Saturday of the regular season, January 3. Those games may not be announced until six days in advance.
The Lions have added a veteran safety.
Detroit has claimed Jalen Mills off of waivers after he was let go by Houston, the club announced on Wednesday.
Mills, 31, appeared in four games for Houston this season with one start. He tallied four total tackles in his 48 defensive snaps and 31 special teams snaps.
A seventh-round pick in the 2016 draft, Mills has played 119 career games with 92 starts for the Eagles, Patriots, Jets, and Texans.
As a corresponding move to get Mills on the roster, the Lions waived tight end Hayden Rucci.
The Texans will be getting a pair of offensive players back at practice this week.
They announced that they have designated tight end Harrison Bryant and wide receiver Justin Watson for return from injured reserve. Both players will have a 21-day window to practice with the team before they must be activated or shut down for the season. They can be activated at any point in that window.
Bryant last played on November 9 and has been out with neck and shoulder injuries. He was acquired in a preseason trade with the Eagles and had two catches for seven yards in eight appearances for Houston.
Watson has been out since Week 2 with an Achilles injury. He had two catches for 30 yards in the first two weeks of the season.
