The NFL will be launching its own investigation following sexual assault allegations made against Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.

League special counsel for investigations Lisa Friel wrote a letter to Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing multiple women with claims against Deshaun Watson. Buzbee initially posted the letter on Instagram, though the post appears to have been deleted.

The letter regarding Deshaun Watson reads as follows:

“I became aware of the lawsuits you filed yesterday, as well as the one you filed this morning, which contain various allegations of misconduct by Houston Texans player Deshaun Watson,” Friel wrote, via Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “I am writing to let you know that the League has opened an investigation into these allegations and to request the cooperation of your clients in our investigation. Such cooperation would begin with engaging in Zoom interviews with myself and another League investigator at which, of course, you would be present. Please let me know at your earliest convenience if your clients are willing to assist us with our investigation of their allegations.”

Deshaun Watson issued a statement earlier this week denying the initial claims against him. Buzbee has since indicated as many as six new lawsuits could be filed against Watson.

It remains to be seen how long it will take to determine the outcome of the lawsuits or whether there will be criminal proceedings. But the NFL's investigation can punish Deshaun Watson regardless of that timeline in the event the league finds evidence of any potential wrongdoing or misconduct.