Seven lawsuits have been filed against Deshaun Watson alleging sexual assault or harassment by the Texans' quarterback, and attorneys for those women say at least another five cases will be filed.
In addition, the attorneys are in contact with another 10 women with similar allegations against Watson, they revealed Friday during a news conference.
Total, at least 22 women are accusing Watson of some type of sexual misconduct dating from last March to as recently as last week, attorney Tony Buzbee said.
Watson's attorney Rusty Hardin released a statement later Friday saying he wholly stands behind his client "against what we believe are meritless allegations."
Hardin, who's represented famous athletes such as Roger Clemens and Adrian Peterson, declined to comment in further detail until a complete review of the "numerous, evolving allegations from Mr. Buzbee."
"We will respond next week and ask you to keep an open mind until we do so," Hardin's statement says.
Cases have been piling since Tuesday, and the number had risen to seven by Thursday.
Another five cases have been vetted, according to Buzbee, and are expected to be filed. His firm is still communicating with 10 more accusers, he said.
The NFL announced Thursday it is opening an investigation into the matter. Buzbee said his firm has also been in contact with the Houston Police Department, but HPD tweeted Friday afternoon it "is unaware of any contact between HPD and Houston attorney Tony Buzbee regarding the allegations contained in his recently filed lawsuits and no incident reports regarding these allegations have been filed in our jurisdiction."
Buzbee said pursuing criminal charges against Watson is the next step.
None of the accusers filed police reports about their complaints against Watson prior to filing civil claims, according to Buzbee.
One of the women accusing Watson of misconduct is a message therapist who was recommended by the Texans, Buzbee said.
Watson's representation first became aware of the allegations about a month ago, but Buzbee said the quarterback's camp was largely dismissive.
Buzbee said since that meeting, more incidents have happened, possibly as recently as last week.
Watson issued an emphatic denial of any abuse earlier in the week, when there was just one lawsuit filed.
His agent David Mulugheta on Friday commented on the cases via social media.
"Sexual assault is real. Victims should be heard, offenders prosecuted," he said. "Individuals fabricate stories in pursuit of financial gain often. Their victims should be heard, and those offenders also prosecuted. I simply hope we keep this same energy with the truth."
The allegations against Watson are similar. He's seeking a massage, or some type of physical therapy, then propositions the women for sex. Again, Watson and his representation categorically deny the allegations.
How this might impact Watson's future with the Texans and the NFL remains unclear. If the NFL's investigation finds merit to the claims, Watson could be suspended, whether his trade demand is met or if he remains with Houston.