The NFL stated in a letter sent to the attorney representing plaintiffs who have filed civil suits against Deshaun Watson that the league has opened an investigation.
In a since-deleted social media post, Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing three separate Jane Does in misconduct suits filed against the Houston Texans’ starting quarterback, posted a letter from NFL special counsel of investigations Lisa Freil.
“I am the Special Counsel for Investigations at the National Football League and it is my job to look into allegations that might involve a violation of the League’s Personal Conduct Policy,” Freil wrote. “I became aware of the lawsuits you filed yesterday, as well as the one you filed this morning, which contain various allegations of misconduct by Houston Texans player Deshaun Watson. I am writing to let you know that the League has opened an investigation into these allegations and to request the cooperation of your clients in our investigation. Such cooperation would begin with engaging in Zoom interviews with myself and another League investigator at which, of course, you would be present.
“Please let me know at your earliest convenience if your clients are willing to assist us with our investigation of their allegations. Thank you.”
Tony Buzbee deleted letter he posted on social media from Lisa Freil, NFL special counsel for investigations stating league is investigating lawsuits against Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson pic.twitter.com/HhxJnMchJ6
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 18, 2021
Buzbee took to Instagram on the evening of March 16 to state he would be filing lawsuits against Watson, who later responded on social media.
The Texans released a statement on March 17 when the first lawsuit was filed.
“We became aware of a civil lawsuit involving Deshaun Watson through a social media post last night,” the statement read. “This is the first time we heard of the matter, and we hope to learn more soon.
“We take accusations of this nature that involve anyone within the Houston Texans organization seriously. We will await further information before making any additional statements on this incident.”
All three separate lawsuits involve Watson seeking a massage and turning the sessions into episodes of sexual misconduct. USA TODAY’s coverage of the lawsuits can be read in detail below.
