Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson spoke to the media on Tuesday morning and was asked a lot of questions about the ever-growing list of women who have accused him of sexual misconduct and harassment.
Monday night, two more women were said to be in the process of filing civil lawsuits against Watson, according to KPRC 2 in Houston. That would bring the total number to 26, all of whom seem to tell similar stories of what may have happened during massage sessions.
A New York Times report from last week revealed the NFL quarterback met at least 66 women for massages over a 17-month period, far more than was previously known and admitted to.
Watson, who has denied any and all allegations against him, was asked why he should be believed over the 20+ women making similar allegations against him. He reiterated his side of the story.
“I understand that question and I definitely respect it,” Watson said. “… I’ve been honest and I’ve truthful with my stance, I never forced anyone, I never assaulted anyone.
“I understand these allegations are very serious…I’m focused on clearing my name.”
Deshaun Watson asked by Browns reporters why he should be believed over 26 women: "I understand that question and I definitely respect it. … I've been honest and I've truthful with my stance, I never forced anyone, I never assaulted anyone."
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) June 14, 2022
Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson maintains his innocence amid 24 civil lawsuits against him for alleged sexual misconduct:
"I never assaulted anyone." pic.twitter.com/u2ESXFAqv4
— The Recount (@therecount) June 14, 2022
Watson was also asked about the New York Times report, specifically the accuracy of the report that he saw 66 female massage therapists over that short amount of time. He said “I don’t think so,” but then referred further questions to his attorney.
Here's Deshaun Watson being asked if the NY Times report of at least 66 different massage therapists in a 17-month period is accurate.
His answer:
(via @Browns)pic.twitter.com/cjBkAEsI8E
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 14, 2022
The NYT recently reported that Watson booked massage appointments with 66 different women over a 17-month span. Watson, on whether that number seemed right to him: #Browns pic.twitter.com/HYkUSlc7cC
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) June 14, 2022
As the allegations against Watson continue to mount, it’s hard to see how this issue is going away anytime soon, for him or the Browns. The NFL continues its investigation into the allegations against Watson and is expected to hand down some kind of punishment for the 2022 NFL season. In the meantime, we wait to see what the next shoe will be to drop.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.