The NFL is investigating allegations of sexual misconduct against Texas quarterback Deshaun Watson after three women filed civil lawsuits against him this week, the team said on Thursday.
“The NFL has informed us today that it is going to conduct an investigation into the allegations made in the civil lawsuits filed against Deshaun Watson,” the Texans said in a statement. “We will maintain close contact with the league as they do.”
On Thursday, lawyer Tony Buzbee, who represents women, posted a confidential letter from the league on Instagram. Buzbee quickly deleted the post before posting it again on Instagram. The Athletic verified that the letter is legitimate.
“I am writing to inform you that the league has opened an investigation into these allegations and to solicit your clients’ cooperation in our investigation,” said special investigative attorney Lisa M. Friel in the letter.
In a statement after the letter was posted, the NFL said, “The matter is under review of the personal conduct policy.”
The third lawsuit, which appeared on the Harris Country district secretary’s website on Thursday, claims that Watson “sexually assaulted and harassed her” during a massage.
Two other lawsuits filed earlier this week claim that Watson, in interactions with two different massage therapists, asked women to focus on his groin area, exposed himself inappropriately and touched both with his penis. The third, including another massage therapist, makes similar claims, but also accuses Watson of forcing her to have oral sex. The incidents reportedly occurred in March 2020, August 2020 and December 2020.
Watson denied allegations of mistreating women in a social media post on Tuesday, before the complaints were available for public viewing.
According to all three suits, Watson connected with women via direct Instagram message, and none had previous experience working with Texan players.
In his statement on Tuesday, Watson also added that Buzbee “made a six-figure unsubstantiated settlement requirement” before filing the first lawsuit, which Watson says he “quickly rejected”. Buzbee declined requests for comment through his assistant.
Houston’s prominent lawyer, Rusty Hardin, confirmed The Athletic that Watson hired him on Tuesday night, but was not willing to comment on the matter. Along with other key customers, Hardin represented pitcher Roger Clemens on issues arising from the Mitchell Report’s allegations of steroid abuse in the MLB.