Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has been sued for alleged sexual assault, according to a social media message by former Houston mayoral candidate Tony Buzbee, who’s a prominent Houston attorney.
Buzbee posted this to Instagram on Tuesday.
“I am extremely proud to represent those who have no perceived power against those who have PERCEIVED power. Things are changing in this country, in this great state, and in this great city. And I feel like it’s better for all of us!” Buzbee wrote. “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!”
Watson has publicly requested a trade from the Texans to another team, but he still looks to be the team’s quarterback heading into the NFL’s next seasonal cycle, which begins Wednesday (March 17).
Watson responded to the claims late Tuesday night, saying he has only treated women with the “utmost respect.”
“I have never treated any woman with anything other than the utmost respect”, adds “this isn’t about money for me – it’s about clearing my name,” Watson tweeted.
Prior to the 2020 season, the Texans traded star receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals for running back David Johnson and a draft pick. Then, last month, the Texans let star defensive player J.J. Watt go into free agency, and he’s now with the Cardinals as well.
Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
It’s unclear how calculated Buzbee’s move was in announcing the lawsuit on the final night f the 2020-21 NFL season.
Buzbee continued his post to say “all people” should be treated with “dignity and respect.”
“My dad was a butcher. My mother drove my school bus and worked in the snack bar,” the attorney wrote. “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!”
Buzbee went on to say the lawsuit against Watson “isn’t about money—it’s about dignity and stopping behavior that should be stopped, NOW!”
Buzbee warned to stick around for further details.
“I’m a Marine. I’m not easily intimidated. If you have info or have been part of this, contact my office.”
This is a developing story.
