Deshaun Watson has been so far accused by 21 different women of sexual misconduct or assault during their massage session with him over the past year.
On Wednesday, Deshaun Watson’s lawyer released a statement that included the names of 18 massage therapists who vouched that he was professional during their sessions. This would mean that roughly 40 massage therapists have allegedly worked with the Pro Bowl quarterback since he’s facing lawsuits from 21 others.
Former NFL offensive lineman Jermon Bushrod took to Twitter and questioned why the Houston Texans QB worked with so many masseuses.
“I played for 12 years, I think I had half of that throughout my whole career,” Bushrod wrote on Twitter.
“Yes. No way I could have multiple therapists per game week. They get familiarized with you, your body and know your issues and how you’re body responds to massage.”
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The women said in separate statements that they never experienced anything that’s being claimed in the various lawsuits.
“Collectively, they have worked with Deshaun more than 130 times over the past five years,” Hardin said in a statement. “These statements show the other side to this story that has been so lacking in the flurry of anonymous complaints filed by opposing counsel.”
Each of the statements has names attached, and each woman who released a statement has worked in the industry for varying numbers of years.
“I began providing massage therapy to Deshaun in 2018 and have massaged him at least 40 times since then. I worked with him once or twice a week during the season and as needed during the off season. Early on, he said he wanted me to focus on his hamstrings (he had a trainer that worked on his upper body) and just to work the lactic acid out of his legs,” Jas Brooks, a medical staff member for Team USA track and field team and a licensed massage therapist, said. “This included the groin, glutes and feet. He never asked me any questions and hardly ever spoke at all. In all that time, I never had a single uncomfortable or inappropriate experience with Deshaun.”
Tony Buzbee, the lawyer for Watson’s accusers, released a statement Tuesday on a “worry” he has with the possibility of giving information to authorities that could potentially lead to criminal charges against Watson.
“Our team has been roundly criticized because these numerous brave women haven’t filed formal criminal complaints with HPD (although we have provided info to other organizations.) Here is my worry: When I ran for Houston mayor against the CURRENT mayor, I called for the resignation of the former police chief. I was thus reluctant initially in these important cases to provide info to HPD, at least while Art Acevedo was the Police Chief—even though my brother in law is a long-term HPD officer,” Buzbee wrote on social media.
“Mr. Acevedo has now left Houston for Miami. Yet, I’ve since learned that my legal opponent, Mr. Hardin, has a son who is on of the exclusive Command Staff of HPD. I am not saying in any way that Deshaun Watson’s lawyer, Mr. Hardin, has a son who has a position that would compromise HPD and its investigation. I support his service, along with all Houston police officers — I think the rank and file know that. But, I am saying that me and my clients will go elsewhere to provide our evidence to investigative authorities. Stand by.”
