HOUSTON – Four other lawsuits were filed against Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, alleging misconduct and sexual assault similar to the previous three that had been filed.
This brings the total of seven lawsuits filed against Watson by attorney Tony Buzbee of Houston, who said on Instagram that there are nine lawsuits in total against Watson. Buzbee told ESPN on Thursday by text message that his office had been in contact with the police and that he would provide information to the police about all nine women who intend to prosecute Watson.
Houston police declined to comment to ESPN if they are investigating the matter. A spokesman for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office told ESPN on Thursday that no one from any law enforcement agency has provided information to the prosecutor’s office yet about the allegations involving Watson.
Buzbee will speak to the media in Houston on Friday afternoon, when he says he will provide some background on the seven lawsuits that have been filed and will provide copies of various texts and messages related to the actions.
After Buzbee’s announcement about the first lawsuit on Tuesday, Watson responded on Twitter saying he rejected “an unsubstantiated six-digit settlement request” and that it is “clearing my name, and I look forward to doing so”. At the time of his statement, Watson said he had not seen the first lawsuit.
“I have never treated any woman with anything but the utmost respect,” Watson said in his statement.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said on Thursday that “the matter is under review” of the league’s personal conduct policy, and the Texans said they would maintain close contact with the NFL during the league’s investigation.
The seven lawsuits filed so far portray a pattern of sexual assault against a massage therapist. While six of the lawsuits claim that they were single encounters with Watson, one woman claims that she has been sexually abused by Watson on several occasions. The lawsuit says that the first massage was scheduled at the spa where the licensed beautician worked. The other six lawsuits claim that Watson first asked about the massage via direct messages on Instagram.
Three of the four lawsuits filed on Thursday night accuse him of improper contact; the fourth said he tried to kiss a woman by force.
“Watson’s behavior is part of a disturbing pattern of preying on vulnerable women,” says the fourth lawsuit.
The Texans on Thursday again said they were aware of the issue.
“The NFL informed us [Thursday] that they will conduct an investigation into the allegations made in the civil lawsuits filed against Deshaun Watson, “the team said.” We will maintain close contact with the league as they do. We continue to take this and all matters that involve anyone within the Houston Texans organization seriously. We do not expect to make any additional statements until the NFL investigation is complete. “