NIKE INC suspended its support for Houston Texans’ Deshaun Watson following civilian proceedings charging the NFL with sexual harassment and misconduct, said the sportswear giant on Wednesday.
Twenty-two women brought suits against Watson, 25, who is also being investigated by the NFL for allegations characterized as “profoundly troubling.”
“We are extremely disturbed by the troubling claims that Deshaun Watson is suspended. We will continue to follow the situation closely, “In a statement, Nike said.
Ashley Solis, a massage therapist who filed the first lawsuit alleging Watson’s sexual harassment, exposed her identity and said that she has been the victim of anxiety, depression, and panic attacks since Tuesday.
“We were all misled by Deshaun Watson’s thinking that he was a good man and we know, sadly, that good guy can do terrible things,” she said.
Watson’s case is accused of exposing his genitals to women and pressuring at least one to carry out oral sex.
In a letter to the seasonal ticket holders, the Texans said that they will take the allegations seriously and continue to track the situation.
“While waiting for these inquiries to end, we are strongly opposed to any form of sexual harassment,” read the message.
“There is every sort of violence in our family and the whole Houston Texan organisation, and we condemn such conduct.”
The NFL has confirmed that it has launched an inquiry under its Personal Conduct Policy.
Last September, Watson signed a contract extension of 156 million dollars with the Texans for four years but requested a trade in January.
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