16 allegations

[George K]

https://news.yahoo.com/texans-qb-deshaun-watson-faces-211027173.html

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson faces 16 lawsuits in Harris County, Texas, from women alleging sexual assault and harassment, after two new suits were filed on Tuesday, the NFL announced.

Why it matters: Watson has been called a "serial predator," per a lawsuit filed Monday night. Accusers have called his behavior "part of a disturbing pattern," CNN writes, though the QB has denied the accusations.

What they're saying: Watson's lawyer Rusty Hardin said he believes "any allegation that Deshaun forced a woman to commit a sexual act is completely false," in a Tuesday statement, per the NFL.

"I want to emphasize at the outset that we and Deshaun recognize that sexual assault and harassment are not only unlawful, but morally wrong," Hardin said.

"We do not take these allegations lightly. However, fairness to the accused is equally as important."

Context: The NFL said last week it is investigating earlier lawsuits from three massage therapists who worked with Watson and accused him of sexually assaulting them during sessions.

Watson stated in a tweet last week that he "never treated any woman with anything other than the utmost respect" and looks forward to clearing his name.

Hardin claimed that a lawsuit brought by one of the women was only filed after a failed attempt to blackmail his client for $30,000.

Of note: All 16 women filed separate suits, but each is represented by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, who has said that the legal action isn't about money since the women are suing for the least amount that can be sought in Texas civil district court, according to AP.

[Copper]

Certainly, we believe the women

But they are accusing an oppressed minority (an NFL quarterback)

It is a tough call

[Catseye3]

@george-k said in 16 allegations:

"I want to emphasize at the outset that we and Deshaun recognize that sexual assault and harassment are not only unlawful, but morally wrong,"

Wow, nothing gets past this guy!

How many of these suits are legit, and how many are climbing on the bandwagon because it's there?

The testimony of the first masseuse was that Watkins made overtures regarding where he wanted her to massage him, heh-heh, and she didn't comply, but hung around while he requested it again. And again. Why didn't she just leave? If she stayed in the room because she didn't want to lose the fee and maybe plane fare back to her home, then it's kind of shitty to come back at him later with a sex lawsuit.

Meanwhile, I think Deshaun had better pursue a different profession, cuz his football goose is cooked. If he deserves it for being a disgusting pig, I got no problem. But if he's being railroaded unfairly, that just bites.