Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson snaps at media at training camp amid sexual misconduct claims: 'Why are you all always filming me every day? It's the same s***'
Facing allegations of sexual misconduct amid his own reported discontentment in Houston, Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson snapped at the camera crews that filmed players walking on the practice field on Thursday morning.
'Why are you all always filming me every day? It's the same s***,' he said.
The eyes have been on Watson during camp, despite the three-time Pro Bowl selection's fall to fourth-string quarterback on the depth chart.
Facing allegations of sexual misconduct amid his own reported discontentment in Houston, Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson snapped at the camera crews that filmed players walking on the practice field on Thursday morning. 'Why are you all always filming me every day? It's the same s***,' he said
Deshaun Watson walking to practice: “Why are y’all always filming me every day? It’s the same sh*t.“
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 12, 2021
(🎥 @MarkBermanFox26)pic.twitter.com/vT7FmYLGUr
Deshaun Watson walking to practice: “Why are y’all always filming me every day? It’s the same sh*t.“
(🎥 @MarkBermanFox26)pic.twitter.com/vT7FmYLGUr
Watson, who turns 26 next month, largely was an observer for the first two weeks of training camp and isn't expected to accompany the team to Green Bay for Saturday's preseason opener against the Packers. Head coach Davd Culley said he was dealing with a calf issue, and a trainer gave attention to both of Watson's legs in the medical tent before he took the field
According to multiple reports Wednesday, the Texans, under first-year head coach David Culley, requested to end training camp early but were rebuffed by the NFL.
League rules require training camp practices to be open to local media until August 26 but can be restricted once the team transitions to 'regular season' mode.
Watson, who turns 26 next month, largely was an observer for the first two weeks of training camp and isn't expected to accompany the team to Green Bay for Saturday's preseason opener against the Packers.
Culley said he was dealing with a calf issue, and a trainer gave attention to both of Watson's legs in the medical tent before he took the field Wednesday.
Prior to Culley being hired as head coach, Watson requested a trade. He also is facing civil suits from 22 women accusing him of sexual misconduct during massage sessions.
Watson's four-year, $156 million contract extension is scheduled to kick in with the 2022 season.
Watson's four-year, $156 million contract extension is scheduled to begin in 2022
Another of Watson's accusers came forward publicly last week to reveal her accusations of sexual misconduct against the Texans quarterback.
Massage therapist Nia Lewis told YouTube personality Tasha K. about various sessions with Watson in which he allegedly harassed her and forcibly touched her against her wishes.
The NFL has been investigating Watson since March, when the first of 23 women came forward with allegations ranging from harassment and indecent exposure to sexual assault (one plaintiff has since dropped her lawsuit). Recently 10 complaints have been filed against Watson in Houston, where most of the alleged incidents took place.
'He basically didn't want the rest of his body massaged, he wanted his groin area massaged and his butt only,' Lewis told Tasha K., echoing accusations from other female massage therapists against Watson. 'He kept saying ''Do you want to put in your mouth?'' It was just very very uncomfortable.'
Houston police have not announced any investigations publicly, and details about the complaints have not been revealed.
Watson previously denied any accusations of sexual misconduct when he was sued back in April and his attorney Rusty Hardin said all sexual contact between his client and the accusers was consensual.
According to multiple reports Wednesday, the Texans, under first-year head coach David Culley , requested to end training camp early but were rebuffed by the NFL. League rules require training camp practices to be open to local media until August 26 but can be restricted once the team transitions to 'regular season' mode. Watson, who turns 26 next month, largely was an observer for the first two weeks of training camp and isn't expected to accompany the team to Green Bay for Saturday's preseason opener against the Packers. Culley said he was dealing with a calf issue, and a trainer gave attention to both of Watson's legs in the medical tent before he took the field Wednesday. Prior to Culley being hired as head coach, Watson requested a trade. He also is facing civil suits from 22 women accusing him of sexual misconduct during massage sessions
As she explained to Tasha K., Lewis initially became concerned about Watson when he told her to focus on his buttocks during massages.
'The only thing that really bothered me in the first appointment was that he kept asking me to go inside his butt, and I was just so confused,' Lewis said. 'Normally with any of my clients, I'll stop at the lower thigh and he kept asking me to go inside. I originally thought it was the crack and so I would go around that area and he still wasn't satisfied. He was very adamant and was saying don't be afraid to go inside.'
High-profile attorney Rusty Hardin is representing Texans QB Deshaun Watson
Another appointment with Watson involved him touching her without her consent.
'The second appointment was really inappropriate, he was very touchy feely,' Lewis continued. 'He would act like he would accidentally brush up against my butt. It was to the point to where it came a time in the massage where I was massaging him from a distance because he kept trying to touch me.
Hardin told ESPN that Watson is cooperating with police and the Harris County District Attorney's office. NFL investigators have not yet questioned Watson, although Hardin said it's customary for leagues to stand back until law enforcement probes are finished.
'And, when the criminal investigation is over, we'll fully cooperate with the NFL,' Hardin said, referring to the NFL's ongoing investigation into the accusations against Watson.
'We've made it clear to the NFL that we'll totally cooperate with them when they're ready to visit with us,' Hardin continued. 'But they, out of deference to the criminal investigation, always try to wait until that's completed before they try to talk to the accused person.'
Massage therapist Nia Lewis told YouTube's Tasha K. about various sessions with Watson in which he allegedly harassed her forcibly touched her against her wishes
Tony Buzbee, the Houston attorney representing Watson's 22 accusers, responded to ESPN in a statement last week: 'As of today, almost half of these women have given sworn statements to the police, and almost half have spoken to the NFL's investigative team. Both processes are very lengthy. We expect to provide further information to the NFL from all victims.'
As for the civil suits, Hardin told ESPN that documents have been exchanged between the legal teams but the two sides have yet to schedule depositions for the 22 women. Depositions will begin in September, but Watson will not be deposed until February, after the upcoming season, Hardin said.
'It is really going the normal course of all civil litigation,' Hardin said of the depositions. 'The dates haven't been set as of yet, the exact dates as to who would go when. But they'll start in September.'
Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents the 22 plaintiffs, claimed some of his clients have received threats as a result of the lawsuits
Hardin told ESPN that his client will not sign any settlement that includes a confidentiality agreement: 'I do not want anybody to be saying that this guy paid off women to stay quiet and so, if there ever was a settlement of any kind, it would have to be public and therefore both sides, and the women, would be able to say to the world at large whatever they wanted.'
Watson recently reported to training camp without the NFL placing him on the commissioner's exempt list — an encouraging sign for his availability this season.
The NFL has been investigating Watson, 25, since March, when the first of 23 women came forward with allegations ranging from harassment and indecent exposure to sexual assault (one plaintiff has since dropped her lawsuit).
The plaintiffs, most of who work as massage therapists or in other similar professions, filed separate lawsuits as Jane Does in March and April, but have since revealed their identities following a court order.
Through Hardin, Watson has called the allegations 'false' and is insisting that all sexual contact between himself and the accusers was consensual. No criminal charges have been filed in the case.
The NFL had the option of placing Watson on the commissioner's exempt list, effectively suspending him with pay as league investigation continues.