Adds particulars, quotes
Adds particulars, quotes
April 7 (Reuters) – Nike Inc NKE.N has suspended its endorsement of Houston Texans’ Deshaun Watson following civil lawsuits accusing the NFL quarterback of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct, the sportswear large mentioned on Wednesday.
Twenty-two girls have come ahead and filed lawsuits in opposition to Watson, 25, who can be being investigated by the NFL for allegations they described as “deeply disturbing”.
“We’re deeply involved by the disturbing allegations and have suspended Deshaun Watson. We’ll proceed to carefully monitor the scenario,” Nike mentioned in an announcement.
Therapeutic massage therapist Ashley Solis, the lady who filed the primary lawsuit alleging sexual assault by Watson, disclosed her identification and mentioned on Tuesday she has since skilled anxiousness, melancholy and panic assaults.
“We have been all deceived into considering Deshaun Watson was a great man and sadly we all know that good guys can do horrible issues,” she had mentioned.
Within the lawsuits, Watson is accused of exposing his genitals to the ladies and forcing no less than one to carry out oral intercourse, accusations he has denied.
The Texans mentioned in a letter to season ticket holders that they have been taking the allegations significantly and would proceed to observe the scenario.
“Whereas we await the conclusion of those investigations, we specific our sturdy stance in opposition to any type of sexual assault,” the letter learn.
“Our household and your entire Houston Texans group are deeply troubled by any type of abuse and we condemn such a behaviour.”
The NFL mentioned it had initiated an investigation beneath its Private Conduct Coverage.
Watson signed a four-year, $156 million contract extension with the Texans final September however requested a commerce in January.
(Reporting by Nivedita Balu and Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Enhancing by Christian Radnedge)
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