Texans sued for alleged involvement in Deshaun Watson scandal

It was learned earlier this month that the Houston Texans "and others" could be added as defendants in the four remaining active civil lawsuits alleging Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct during massage sessions for allegedly enabling his behavior. 

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, attorney Tony Buzbee, who is representing the women suing Watson, confirmed on Monday that there is now at least one lawsuit against the Texans. 

"Today we filed the first case of what will likely be many against the Houston Texans related to Deshaun Watson’s behavior," Buzbee explained in a statement shared by Florio. "Suffice it to say, the overwhelming evidence collected indicating that the Houston Texans enabled Watson’s behavior is incredibly damning. We believe the Texans knew or most certainly should have known of Watson’s conduct. Beyond that, we believe the filing speaks for itself."

Houston sent Watson to the Browns in March after he sat out all of the 2021 campaign following an offseason trade request. Per Florio, the most recent lawsuit "contends that Watson requested a massage from her in November 2020 via social media, and that he brought with him a nondisclosure agreement provided by the Texans" before he allegedly "assaulted and harassed" the plaintiff. 

"We are aware of the lawsuit filed against us today," the Texans said in a statement. "Since March 2021, we have fully supported and complied with law enforcement and the various investigations. We will continue to take the necessary steps to address the allegations against our organization." 

The lawsuit adds:  "Watson was a Houston Texans’ employee; individuals within the Texans organization knew or should have known of Watson’s conduct." It also states that "multiple" employees at Genuine Touch, a massage therapy provider for the club, had sexual relations with the signal-caller during sessions. 

Watson has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, and two grand juries declined to indict him. It was reported over the weekend that his NFL disciplinary hearing is scheduled to begin Tuesday, and it's believed the league wants to ban the 26-year-old from playing for a minimum of one entire season. Backup Jacoby Brissett will become Cleveland's QB1 if Watson is made ineligible for part or all of the upcoming campaign.