Nike suspends Texas QB Deshaun Watson’s endorsement deal over the ‘disturbing allegations’ of sexual misconduct from 22 women
Nike has suspended its endorsement deal with Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations from 22 women.
‘We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and have suspended Deshaun Watson,’ read Nike’s statement provided to DailyMail.com. ‘We will continue to closely monitor the situation.’
Watson signed an endorsement deal with Nike in 2017 for an undisclosed amount.
A Nike spokesman did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com’s question about the specifics of Watson’s suspension, like whether the company will pull ads featuring the 25-year-old quarterback or withhold his pay.
In separate lawsuits filed in Texas last month, Watson was accused of sexual misconduct by 22 unidentified women, mostly licensed massage therapists. On Tuesday, two of the women, Ashley Solis and Lauren Baxley, identified themselves publicly for the first time.
The plaintiffs are suing for civil assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress, accusing Watson of exposing himself, touching them with his penis, and, in some cases, ejaculating on them. Two of the plaintiffs are also suing for sexual assault, claiming Watson forced them to perform oral sex on him.
Houston police and the NFL are both conducting investigations into the accusations.
Watson, through his attorney, has denied the allegations.
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