KEY POINTS

  • Deshaun Watson's NFL career faces uncertainty after 22 women filed civil lawsuits against him
  • Nike suspends Watson's endorsement deal due to off-field issues
  • Watson could also be on his way out of the Houston Texans

Deshaun Watson’s NFL career is suffering from a lot of issues right now, most coming outside the football field.

Already at odds at the way the Houston Texans are running things, the 25-year-old is embroiled in sexual misconduct suits involving multiple massage therapists.

This development is also hurting Watson whose endorsement deal with Nike was suspended.

"We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and have suspended Deshaun Watson. We will continue to closely monitor the situation,” Nike said in a statement to CNBC.

As of this writing, the three-time Pro Bowler is facing 22 civil lawsuits filed by 22 different women.

Despite the growing number of complaints, the side of Watson continues to rebuke the claims. However, actual women who are part of these have come forward.

One brave soul who came out in the open is Ashley Solis who spoke at a press conference on Tuesday. She was the first woman to file a lawsuit against Watson on March 16 and shared her ordeal.

“Deshaun Watson has robbed me of that. He took that away from me, he tainted a profession in which I take enormous pride... I suffer from panic attacks, anxiety, and depression. I'm in counseling as a result of Deshaun Watson's actions. I hope he knows how much pain he's inflicted on me emotionally and physically,” Solis stated.

Furthermore, Solis made it clear that she is not coming forward and filing a lawsuit for the sake of money. She hopes that the NFL player can no longer assault another woman.

Sixteen women have now filed lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct by Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson
Twenty-two women have filed lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct by Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Carmen Mandato

It remains to be seen if other women will follow the lead of Solis. But overall, the fortunes of the 2020 NFL Passing Yards leader are not looking good. Moreover, his stint with the Texans is also uncertain.

Reports came out in January that Watson was seeking a way out of Houston. This was tied to the fact that he was unhappy not being part of the decision-making process, particularly the hiring of Nick Caserio as general manager.

Nothing is definite, but these problems outside the football field could become a factor.

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