Judge rules Deshaun Watson must address past with massage therapists

A judge in Texas ruled this week that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson must address whether he had sexual relations with 18 massage therapists who backed him last year following criminal charges and lawsuits from other women, USA TODAY reported. 

Watson, who was traded to the Browns from the Houston Texans last month, also has to provide documentation of his massage history dating back to 2019. He has 30 days to comply with the order. 

The 26-year-old is being sued by 22 women who made sexual misconduct allegations against the QB during massage sessions in 2020 and the beginning of 2021. Attornies for the defendants have been asking Watson to answer questions regarding 18 other massage therapists who wrote letters of support for him. As ESPN summarizes, the defendants' counsel believe answers "would demonstrate a pattern and motives for setting up the massages."

Watson has refused to answer questions regarding whether he had sex with the 18 therapists who supported him, saying the questions are harassing.

Two grand juries have decided not to indict Watson on criminal charges, although he is still facing civil suits. He has remained vague while being deposed over the last few weeks.