The lawyer representing Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has admitted his client did engage in consensual sex during massage sessions.
Rusty Hardin held a press conference after courts ruled various plaintiffs with lawsuits against Watson must reveal their identities. He said, Deshaun Watson, did have consensual sexual activity with some massage therapists, but also continued to deny that he forced any women to do anything against their will. Hardin also denied the idea Deshaun Watson used his persona and status as a means of coercing sexual activity.
Although Hardin has repeatedly issued statements alleging lawyer Tony Buzbee–representing most of the plaintiffs–is creating something of a circus atmosphere, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk noted Hardin did much the same during the press conference on Friday:
However, Hardin also did the exact same thing during the press conference, introducing multiple colleagues who vouched for Watson’s character and innocence based on their interactions with him since Hardin’s firm was hired more than three weeks ago.
Likewise, Hardin described the entire situation as a “new model for extortion,” and he reiterated the attack on Ashley Solis for making a settlement demand of $100,000 and then claiming earlier this week that she is not proceeding with a civil lawsuit “just for money.”
Deshaun Watson faces 22 lawsuits alleging inappropriate sexual behavior and sexual assault. Two of the quarterback's accusers have already revealed their identities. Judges ruled Friday at least 14 of the accusers must identify themselves. Buzbee said Friday afternoon his clients were “ready” to be identified.
There are likely to be more developments in the coming days.
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