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One of many ladies accusing Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct whereas she gave him a therapeutic massage felt “scared” and threatened by a remark he made following a remedy session.
Showing on HBO’s Actual Sports activities with Bryant Gumbel, Ashley Solis, who’s amongst 22 ladies who’ve sued Watson over allegations he behaved inappropriately with them, offered graphic particulars of an encounter with the three-time Professional Bowler.
She additionally stated on the finish of a therapeutic massage, Watson informed her: “I do know you’ve gotten a profession to guard,” and “I do know you don’t need anybody messing with it identical to I don’t need anybody messing with mine.”
Solis was requested by reporter Soledad O’Brien why Watson’s message frightened her.
“As a result of that appeared like a menace to me,” she stated.
Through the interview airing Tuesday evening, Solis and one other therapeutic massage therapist, Kyla Hayes, each present particulars of their conferences with Watson, who’s going through civil lawsuits by the 22 ladies alleging numerous sexual acts throughout massages he obtained whereas enjoying for the Houston Texans.
Watson has denied any wrongdoing and has maintained any intercourse with the ladies was consensual. Two grand juries in Texas have declined to indict Watson on prison complaints filed by 10 ladies.
Solis and Hayes each stated they really feel offended by the five-year, $230m contract Watson obtained in March from the Browns. Watson’s deal is each the richest in NFL historical past and absolutely assured.
“It’s identical to an enormous screw you,” Solis stated. ”That’s what it seems like. That we don’t care. He can run and throw, and that’s what we care about.”
Added Hayes, “It was sick to me. … I felt like he’s being rewarded for dangerous conduct.”
The Browns, who’ve spent twenty years in a futile seek for a franchise QB, pursued Watson together with a number of different groups. They satisfied him to waive his no-trade clause and be a part of Cleveland after he initially rebuffed the staff. The Browns despatched three first-round draft picks and 6 general to the Texans for Watson.
Considered one of Watson’s legal professionals, Leah Graham, was requested to elucidate on the present why, if he was solely searching for skilled massages, did Watson find yourself having intercourse with among the ladies.
“Nicely, in each therapeutic massage, I’ll inform you he did go, intending only for an expert therapeutic massage, and solely these three situations the place sexual conduct occurred – consensual sexual exercise – it occurred after the therapeutic massage session had ended,” Graham stated. “And Mr Watson has testified and is insistent that that sexual exercise was initiated by the plaintiff in each single occasion.”
Throughout his introductory information convention with the Browns in March, Watson was adamant he has “by no means assaulted, disrespected or harassed any lady in my life”. He additionally stated he had no intention of settling the lawsuits outdoors of court docket.
Watson can be going through attainable self-discipline from the NFL, which is independently investigating whether or not he violated its personal-conduct coverage.
League investigators interviewed Watson in Houston final week. It’s not recognized if the inquiry has been accomplished.
The league may look ahead to a decision within the lawsuits earlier than saying a call or hand out self-discipline with a caveat that issues may change if new info surfaces.
Former US district choose Sue Robinson, a disciplinary officer collectively appointed by the league and NFL Gamers Affiliation, is the one deciding whether or not Watson violated the personal-conduct coverage. If Watson is suspended and appeals, Commissioner Roger Goodell would deal with any reexamination.
The Browns are keen to search out out whether or not they’ll be with out Watson for an prolonged interval. The staff resumed offseason staff actions Tuesday and may have obligatory minicamp subsequent month. Coaching camp is scheduled for July.
Watson handled a few of his new teammates to a visit to the Bahamas final week. A staff spokesman stated he reported for the voluntary offseason program that resumed this week. The Browns may have a media availability Wednesday.
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