Reliant Energy moving on from Deshaun Watson as brand ambassador

Nike and Beats by Dre are two brands that have distanced themselves from Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson amid the 22 civil lawsuits filed against the 25-year-old star signal-caller alleging acts of sexual assault and misconduct. 

Per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Reliant Energy confirmed it will no longer use Watson as a brand ambassador. NRG Energy currently holds the naming rights to Houston's stadium and is the parent company of Reliant.

"Reliant is aware of pending civil lawsuits and a criminal investigation involving Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans quarterback," reads a statement shared by Alper. "Our relationship with Watson as a brand ambassador was scheduled to end this spring prior to these allegations, and there are no plans for future engagements or contracts with him. We take accusations of this nature very seriously. With respect to the legal process, we do not have any further comment on this matter." 

It's believed at least two victims have spoken with the Houston Police Department, and the HPD announced last Friday it opened an investigation into the quarterback after a complainant filed a report. Two women revealed their identities during a Tuesday press conference addressing their allegations, and NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy responded that the league will continue "to closely monitor all developments in the matter" related to what he called "deeply disturbing" accusations. 

Watson has thus far denied any wrongdoing but could land on the commissioner's exempt list and ultimately face fines and a suspension through the NFL's personal conduct policy no matter the outcomes of any civil or criminal cases.