Deshaun Watson reiterated Tuesday that he is innocent of the numerous allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct during massage sessions that have been made against him. Yet while the Cleveland Browns quarterback said once again that he has no regrets about any of his actions, he admitted that he does regret the impact that the allegations have had on the people around him.
“I do understand that I do have regrets as far as the impact that (it’s had) on the community and people outside of just myself,” Watson said. “And that includes my family. That includes this organization. That includes my teammates in this locker room that have to answer to these questions. That includes the fan base of the Cleveland Browns. That includes males, females, everyone across the, the world. That’s one thing I do regret is the impact that it’s triggered on so many people. It’s tough to have to deal with.”
Just in the last 15 days, two more civil lawsuits were filed against Watson, bringing the total number of active civil lawsuits against alleging inappropriate sexual conduct during massage sessions to 24.
The New York Times reported last week that Watson booked appointments with at least 66 different women over 17 months, from fall 2019 through spring 2021. The list of 66 included the 24 women who have filed lawsuits against Watson; a woman who sued Watson, but then withdrew the complaint; two women who filed criminal complaints against Watson but did not sue him; at least 15 therapists who issued statements of support for Watson at the request of his lawyers; at least four therapists contracted with the Houston Texans; five women identified by the plaintiffs’ lawyers during the investigation for their civil suits; and at least 15 other women whose appointments with Watson were confirmed through interviews and records reviewed by The Times.
Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, representing the 24 women suing Deshaun Watson alleging sexual misconduct, tells @cbssports his firm expects to file a 25th lawsuit “in due course.” This one was referred to the firm by an Atlanta attorney.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) June 14, 2022
Deshaun Watson is speaking to the media now. On ESPN now.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) June 14, 2022