Deshaun Watson's lawyer: 'Happy ending' remark was used 'hypothetically'

During an interview with Sports Radio 610 out of Houston earlier on Friday, Rusty Hardin, one of the attorneys representing Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, repeated that his client never broke any laws during massage sessions mentioned in 23 active civil lawsuits Watson is facing regarding allegations of sexual misconduct. 

Hardin unintentionally went viral, however, when he used the phrase "happy ending" while explaining that individuals who participate in consensual sexual activities during or after massage sessions aren't guilty of a crime. In a statement shared by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Hardin attempted to clarify his earlier remarks ahead of the weekend. 

"Deshaun Watson did nothing wrong," Hardin stated. "And as two grand juries have made clear, Deshaun did nothing illegal. Deshaun has always acknowledged consensual sexual activity with three of the plaintiff massage therapists after massages. And Deshaun has repeatedly sworn under oath that he did not force any of his accusers to have sexual contact.

"On a Houston radio show interview [Friday], I mentioned that a massage that has a 'happy ending' is not illegal, meaning it is not illegal for someone to have consensual sex with a therapist after a massage unless the sex is for pay. Deshaun did not pay anyone for sex. I was using the term hypothetically and not describing Deshaun’s case.

"I have reiterated to others it’s not OK to do anything that a woman does not agree to do. These women have alleged assault in their pleadings. I was speaking in a hypothetical situation. If there is a consensual sexual encounter after a massage, that is not a crime nor the basis for a civil lawsuit. I was not talking about what Deshaun did or did not do or expected or did not expect."

Watson has denied any wrongdoing and appears to have avoided criminal charges, but he could still be suspended for part or all of the 2022 season if an NFL investigation determines he violated the league's personal conduct policy. 

It's unknown when the NFL will announce the findings of its investigation or if Friday's developments will impact the league's ruling regarding Watson's status for meaningful games this fall and winter.