As the allegations against Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson continue to mount, the quarterback’s attorney has now weighed in with a lengthy, detailed rebuttal.
In a statement issued to TMZ Sports, Rusty Hardin — the prominent Texas attorney representing Watson —claims the allegations of sexual assault against Watson are false and that one of the plaintiffs had previously attempted to blackmail his client.
Hardin says this plaintiff demanded $30,000 from Watson in January “in exchange for her ‘indefinite silence’ about what she stated was a consensual encounter.”
He argues that this casts doubt on the legitimacy of the other cases filed against Watson.
An affidavit from Watson's marketing manager, Brian Burney, was also released from Hardin's office and added further details to the blackmail allegations.
Hardin also attacked Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing the accusers.
“Opposing counsel has orchestrated a circus-like atmosphere by using social media to publicize 14 ‘Jane Doe’ lawsuits during the past seven days in a manner calculated to inflame the public and malign Deshaun’s otherwise sterling reputation,” Hardin said. “In addition, the tactic of refusing our requests to confidentially provide the names of the plaintiffs so we can fully investigate their claims makes uncovering the truth extremely difficult.
“Anonymity is often necessary as a shield for victims but opposing counsel has used it as a sword to publicly humiliate Deshaun before the truth-seeking process can even begin.”
Buzbee has continuously taken to social media to provide updates on his clients and the cases moving forward and even posted a screenshot of the NFL’s letter of launching an internal investigation into the matter before quickly deleting it.
Buzbee’s clients all appear to be massage therapists, too, but Hardin added that many massage therapists have come forward to vouch for Watson’s character.
“We have received numerous comments in the past week from many licensed massage therapists who have worked with Deshaun in recent years,” Hardin said. “These women describe him as a gentleman and model client who never engaged in inappropriate conduct. Indeed, before these salacious claims, everyone who associated with Deshaun described him as an outstanding, respectful, and compassionate man.”
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