Watson's attorney: Plaintiffs' lawyer won't identify women

Deshaun Watson's attorney said Monday the lawyer representing 14 women who have filed lawsuits against the Houston Texans quarterback is refusing to reveal their identities.

The plaintiffs - all massage therapists - are suing Watson for sexual misconduct, with many saying he committed sexual assault. All 14 women are represented by attorney Tony Buzbee.

"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," Rusty Hardin, Watson's lawyer, said in a statement given to TMZ.

Hardin continued: "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 filed the first lawsuit March 16. He submitted another 13 cases before Hardin made his statement. Two more appeared online following Hardin's comments to bring the total to 16 as of Tuesday afternoon, according to Aaron Reiss of The Athletic.

After the first lawsuit was filed, Watson denied the allegation and said he has always treated women with the "utmost respect."

Hardin said his team has identified one of the plaintiffs, noting that he has "strong evidence" to show the allegation is false.

"In January of this year, a woman attempted to blackmail Deshaun by demanding $30,000 in exchange for her 'indefinite silence' about what she stated was a consensual encounter," he said.

Hardin added that such evidence "calls into question the legitimacy of the other cases as well."

"We have received numerous unsolicited comments in the past week from many licensed massage therapists who have worked with Deshaun in recent years," he said. "These women describe him as a gentleman and a 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."

The NFL has already launched an investigation into the allegations. Watson is a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback. He led the NFL in passing yards in 2020 despite playing on a 4-12 team.