Nike said Wednesday it has suspended its endorsement of NFL star Deshaun Watson, a CNBC report says.
Watson has been accused of sexual misconduct in lawsuits filed by 22 women, all represented by lawyer Tony Buzbee.
“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 the network.
Beats by Dre has followed Nike, telling KPRC 2 News, “We have moved on from our relationship with Deshaun Watson.”
Shortly after, Reliant Energy also released a statement saying they have no future plans for Watson continuing as a brand ambassador for them.
Reliant’s complete statement: “Reliant is aware of pending civil lawsuits and a criminal investigation involving Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans quarterback. Our relationship with Watson as a brand ambassador was scheduled to end this spring prior to these allegations, and there are no plans for future engagements or contracts with him. We take accusations of this nature very seriously. With respect to the legal process, we do not have any further comment on this matter.”
The star quarterback and his lawyer, Rusty Hardin, denied the allegations and said the claims have been made as a result of blackmail attempts.
In a tweet Friday, the Houston Police Department said a complainant had filed a report with the agency about Watson.
“As with any allegation, the Houston Police Department is now conducting an investigation and will not comment further during the investigative process,” the law enforcement agency said.
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