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Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson denied allegations of sexual assault outlined in a lawsuit filed Tuesday.
Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing the alleged victim, told Fox 26 in Houston that Watson was getting a massage from the unidentified woman when the 25-year-old “went too far.”
Not many details were provided by Buzbee about the suit. He did however go after Watson in a public Facebook post.
“I am extremely proud to represent those who have no perceived power against those who have PERCEIVED power. Things are changing in this country, in this great state, and in this great city. And I feel like it’s for the better, for all of us!
“Today we filed suit against Deshaun Watson. Too many times women have put up with behavior that we all know no one should put up with. Should we make excuses for the famous? Or those who hold special positions, or quarterbacks on a local professional football team? I don’t think so! All people are equal, and all deserve dignity and respect. My dad was a butcher. My mother drove my school bus and worked in the snack bar.
“Knowing what I know now: My momma had more dignity in her pinky finger than most executives or coaches or politicians or famous athletes have in their whole bodies! This case we just filed against Watson isn’t about money—it’s about dignity and stopping behavior that should be stopped, NOW! Stay tuned for details. LET ME SAY THIS. I’m a Marine. I’m not easily intimidated. If you have info or have been part of this, contact my office: txattorneys.com.”
Watson immediately refuted the claim on Twitter after Buzbee’s post about the lawsuit.
“As a result of a social media post by a publicity-seeking plaintiff’s lawyer, I recently became aware of a lawsuit that has apparently been filed against me,” Watson wrote.
“I have not yet seen the complaint, but I know this: I Have never treated any woman with anything than the utmost respect. The plaintiff’s lawyer claims that this isn’t about money, but before filing suit he made a baseless six-figure settlement demand, which I quickly rejected.”
According to ESPN, “Buzbee is well-known throughout the Houston area for his law firm and unsuccessful 2019 campaign against Mayor Sylvester Turner.”
Watson is a three-time Pro Bowl selection after being selected by the Texans in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He requested a trade before the start of the 2021 NFL season due to a fractured relationship with newly-hired general manager Nick Caserio. The Texans front office insists no deal will be entertained to move Watson.
Watson led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards last year. He became the first player to lead the league in passing yards on a team with at least 12 losses since Jeff George of the Oakland Raiders in 1997.
