Shutterstock
The hits keep coming for Deshaun Watson.
After more than 20 women filed lawsuits against the Houston Texans star quarterback and the Houston Police Department announced a criminal investigation, Watson is facing some backlash from sponsors.
Earlier in the day, Nike announced it would be suspending its endorsement with the 25-year-old Pro Bowler and now two other companies are cutting ties.
Beats By Dre is set to be dropping Watson, according to FrontOfficeSports.com, while Reliant Energy will no longer use the quarterback as a spokesperson.
NRG Energy, the parent company of Reliant, owns naming rights for the Houston Texans stadium.
“Reliant is aware of pending civil lawsuits and a criminal investigation involving Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans quarterback,” the statement said, via Aaron Reiss of TheAthletic.com.
“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.”
Companies began separating themselves from Watson this week after his first accuser, Ashley Solis, appeared in front of the media on Tuesday afternoon alongside Tony Buzbee, who is representing the 22 women who have filed lawsuits against the NFL star. She had previously been identified as “Jane Doe #1.”
The Houston Police Department opened a criminal investigation against Watson on April 2.
The NFL has also broken its silence about the allegations.
“The allegations are deeply disturbing and we take these issues very seriously,” NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy said in a statement to Pro Football Talk.
“Immediately following news of the first allegations last month, and as has been reported, we initiated an investigation under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. We are continuing to closely monitor all developments in the matter.”
Watson and his attorney, Rusty Hardin, have adamantly denied the allegations and have provided letters of support from 18 other women.
