A third civil suit against Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson was filed Wednesday, accusing the 25-year-old of sexually assaulting a massage therapist.
The lawsuit, filed by Texas attorney Tony Buzbee, alleges that Watson forced the woman to have oral sex with him in December 2020. The new case comes after two other lawsuits also allege misconduct with massage therapists.
Buzbee brought the first case to court Tuesday and posted on Instagram that there are at least six cases against Watson.
The quarterback blasted Buzbee in a tweet Tuesday, calling him a “publicity-seeking lawyer.” He wrote he rejected a six-figure settlement demand and strongly denied the charges.
Watson has hired prominent Houston-based attorney Rusty Hardin — who represented former MLB pitcher Roger Clemens when he was accused of testing positive for steroids.
“I have not yet seen the complaint, but I know this: I have never treated any woman with anything other than the utmost respect,” Watson wrote in a statement posted Tuesday.
In the first two cases, each a separate incident, the women claim that Watson inappropriately exposed himself and touched them with his penis. The two incidents allegedly happened in March 2020 and August 2020 after Watson arranged the meetings.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed in an email to The Associated Press that the matter was “under review of the personal conduct policy.”
Texans spokesman Omar Majzoub released a statement on behalf of the team Thursday saying it had been informed by the NFL about its investigation. The statement said the team “will stay in close contact with the league” as it investigates.
“We continue to take this and all matters involving anyone within the Houston Texans organization seriously,” the statement continued. “We do not anticipate making any additional statements until the NFL’s investigation concludes.”
In the suit filed Wednesday, the lawsuit reads “Watson’s behavior is part of a disturbing pattern of preying on vulnerable women,” according to ESPN. The plaintiff alleges that Watson became aggressive during the massage and forced her to perform oral sex. She alleges she felt “intimidated and threatened” and did not consent.
Based in part on wire service reports.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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