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After NFL quarterbackDeshaun Watsonsettled20 of the 24 sexual misconduct lawsuitsagainst him, a new case was launched against the Houston Texans claiming the team “enabled” their former player’s alleged sexual misconduct.
Houston attorney Tony Buzbee filed a lawsuit on Monday that claims the franchise “most certainly should have known” of 26-year-old Watson’s alleged behavior, which includesexposing himself to massage therapistsand purposefully touching their hands with his penis.
“Today we filed the first case of what will likely be many against the Houston Texans related to Deshaun Watson’s behavior,” Buzbee said in a statement sent to PEOPLE.
“Suffice it to say, the overwhelming evidence collected indicating that the Houston Texans enabled Watson’s behavior is incredibly damning,” he added. “We believe the Texans knew or most certainly should have known of Watson’s conduct. Beyond that, we believe the filing speaks for itself.”
Buzbee, based in Houston, is representing 25 different women with lawsuits against the star quarterback, perESPN.
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Watson met the woman at her mother’s home in Manvel, Texas, and allegedly exposed himself to her during the session. The documents note that Watson had access to more experienced massage therapists through his team.
PEOPLE has reached out to representatives for Watson — now a member of the Cleveland Browns — for comment. He hasdeniedthe allegations against him,Sports Illustratedpreviously reported.
The NFL declined to comment to PEOPLE on the lawsuit.
“The Texans were well aware of Watson’s preference,” the lawsuit alleges, adding that the owner of the massage company “complained to the Texans that Watson was seeking out unqualified strangers for massages via Instagram.”
“[The owner’s] stated concern to the Texans was that Watson was putting himself in danger of contracting Covid, or getting himself sued,” the lawsuit said.
Deshaun Watson.Ron Schwane/AP/Shutterstock
The lawsuit claims the Texans “turned a blind eye” to Watson’s alleged misconduct.
“Despite being actually aware of what can only be described as troubling behavior, the Houston Texans turned a blind eye,” documents state. “Worse, the Houston Texans organization enabled Watson’s egregious behavior.”
In a statement to PEOPLE, the Texans said they were aware of the lawsuit.
“We are aware of the lawsuit filed against us today. Since March 2021, we have fully supported and complied with law enforcement and the various investigations,” the team said in a statement on Monday.
They added: “We will continue to take the necessary steps to address the allegations against our organization.”
Watson is set to appear at a hearing Tuesday with the NFL’s new disciplinary officer, theWashington Postand other outlets have reported, to address a potential suspension related to the sexual misconduct lawsuits filed against him in March 2021. The league is expected to ask for a minimum 1-year suspension, thePostreported.
The NFL declined to comment to PEOPLE on Watson’s potential suspension.
source: people.com
