Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has been a dramatic focal point for the city since the end of the 2020 season with his trade request.
However, a lawsuit filed by a Houston attorney is drawing attention to Watson’s life off the field.
On Tuesday evening, attorney Tony Buzbee, a former Houston mayoral candidate, took to Instagram to state he had filed a lawsuit against the three-time Pro Bowler, alleging numerous instances of misconduct toward women.
“I am extremely proud to represent those who have no perceived power against those who have PERCEIVED power,” Buzbee wrote. “Things are changing in this country, in this great state, and in this great city. And I feel like it’s for the better, for all of us! Today we filed suit against Deshaun Watson. Too many times women have put up with behavior that we all know no one should put up with. Should we make excuses for the famous? Or those who hold special positions, or quarterbacks on a local professional football team? I don’t think so! All people are equal, and all deserve dignity and respect.
“My dad was a butcher. My mother drove my school bus and worked in the snack bar. Knowing what I know now: My momma had more dignity in her pinky finger than most executives or coaches or politicians or famous athletes have in their whole bodies! This case we just filed against Watson isn’t about money — it’s about dignity and stopping behavior that should be stopped, NOW! Stay tuned for details. LET ME SAY THIS. I’m a Marine. I’m not easily intimidated. If you have any info or have been part of this, contact my office: txattorneys.com.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMgJqRop6-X/
Watson responded that same evening with a statement of his own that he posted to his Twitter account.
“As a result of a social media post by a publicity-seeking plaintiff’s lawyer, I recently became aware of a lawsuit that has been apparently filed against me,” Watson wrote. “I have not yet seen the complaint, but I know this: I have never treated any woman with anything other than the utmost respect. The plaintiff’s lawyer claims that this isn’t about money, but before filing suit he made a baseless six-figure settlement demand, which I quickly rejected. Unlike him, this isn’t about money for me — it’s about clearing my name, and I look forward to doing that.”
— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) March 17, 2021
Texans right tackle Tytus Howard took to Twitter and responded to Watson’s statement by issuing his support for the quarterback.
I’m behind you Brodie💯 https://t.co/snwZt1uXAX
— Tytus Howard (@levelstothis_2) March 17, 2021
The new league year in the NFL starts March 17 at 3:00 p.m. Watson is still under contract with the Texans.
This is a developing story.