TEXAS — Three more civil lawsuits accusing Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct were filed over the weekend in a Texas court, bringing the overall total to 19.
The lawsuits appeared on the website of the Harris County District Clerk on Monday morning.
One of those lawsuits claims Watson is deleting Instagram messages and contacting the women “who formally provided him massages, in an attempt to settle,” which Watson’s attorney quickly refuted.
“Plaintiffs have not brought these cases for money or attention; instead Plaintiffs seek a change in behavior with regard to Watson, and a change of culture in the NFL,” read the lawsuit, filed by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee.
Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, issued a statement Monday afternoon contradicting the claims in the lawsuit.
“Like a lot of people, Deshaun regularly deletes past Instagram messages,” Hardin said. “That said, he has not deleted any messages since March 15th, the day before the first lawsuit was filed. We categorically deny that he has reached out directly to his accusers in an attempt to settle these cases.
More lawsuits are expected. Buzbee said more than 20 women had reported such encounters with Watson.
Watson, 25, denied the allegations after the first lawsuit was filed on March 16..
“I have never treated any woman with anything other than the utmost respect,” Watson wrote, in part, adding he looked forward to defending his name.
No criminal charges have been filed.
The NFL said on March 18 that cases of alleged wrongdoing by Watson are under investigation. The Texans said team officials will stay in contact with the league.
Last September, the Texans signed Watson to a four-year, $156 million contract extension. His relationship with the team has soured since, however, and he has requested a trade.
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