The previous week it was made official that browns QB Deshaun Watson, who during the current offseason faced up to two dozen civil lawsuits for alleged sexual tort, reached a settlement with 20 of those 24 plaintiffs, however, one of the remaining four cases has once again made the 26-year-old quarterback front page. On Monday, Toi Garner sued the Houston Texans for “allowing” Watson’s inappropriate conduct since 2020.
“Today we are filing the first case of what will likely be many against the Houston Texans related to Deshaun Watson’s behavior,” Tony Buzbee, an attorney for the 24 plaintiffs, said in a statement. “Suffice it to say that the overwhelming evidence gathered indicating that the Houston Texans allowed Watson’s behavior is incredibly damning. We believe the Texans knew or surely should have known of Watson’s conduct.”
The lawsuit filed by Garner against Houston NFL Holdings, L.P., alleges that Watson asked the plaintiff for a massage in November 2020 via social media. Watson allegedly “assaulted and harassed Garner by aggressively exposing her naked body, deliberately touching her with his penis, and eventually ejaculating on her.” Additionally, Watson would have brought with him to the massage appointment a confidentiality agreement provided by the Texans themselves.
It is also alleged that Watson refused both to have massages performed at the team’s facility and to use the services of the organization’s selected provider, Genuine Touch. Page two of the document alleges that, in June 2020, the owner of Genuine Touch “complained to the Texans that Watson was seeking unqualified strangers for massages through Instagram” and that he was “putting himself in danger of contracting COVID-19, or getting himself sued.”
Page three accuses the Texans of “turning a blind eye” to Watson’s conduct, and that the team actually enabled the events by granting Watson a room at The Houstonian hotel, Houston, Texas, where he underwent massages and even provided him with a massage table to use during the sessions. Additionally, it is alleged that the Texans would have provided Watson with confidentiality agreements as they would protect him from random masseuses he contacted on social media.
“Watson was an employee of the Houston Texans; persons within the Texans organization knew or should have known of Watson’s conduct,” the lawsuit alleges, which surprisingly adds that “several Genuine Touch employees knew that several Genuine Touch massage therapists had had sexual relations with Watson during massage sessions.”
Thus, the lawsuit seeks to impose liability on the Texans in multiple ways. It argues that Watson acted within the scope of his employment when he sought the massages, making the team directly liable for that conduct. In addition, the Texans failed to prevent Watson’s continued misconduct once they became aware of it and, finally, it is contended that team and player engaged in a civil conspiracy that resulted in Watson’s alleged torts.
Regarding the situation, the Texans issued a statement: “We are aware of the lawsuit filed against us today. Since March 2021, we have fully supported and complied with law enforcement and the various investigations. We will continue to take the necessary steps to address the allegations against our organization.”
Finally, as previously reported, the scheduled disciplinary hearing against Watson, who the NFL is seeking to suspend indefinitely for a minimum of one year, will begin this Tuesday. Although the Gainesville, Georgia native has managed to resolve 20 of his initial cases, there are still four pending, which for the Texans could be the equivalent of the beginning of their legal problems. Should the NFL not only suspend Watson, but also sanction the Houston Texans?
Marlin Briscoe, first African-American quarterback in the SB era, passes away.
The NFL is in mourning. Via the Associated Press, it was reported Monday that Marlin Briscoe, the first African-American quarterback in AFL history and in the Super Bowl era, passed away at age 76. Briscoe broke the color barrier when he landed with the Broncos as a 14th round pick in the 1968 Draft, a year where he appeared as QB in 11 games, five as a starter, throwing for 1 589 yards, 14 TDs and 13 INTs. Denver did not hesitate to quickly issue a statement on the misfortune.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of former Broncos QB Marlin Briscoe,” the team said in a statement. “Marlin was a pioneer who broke barriers, making history as the first African-American starting quarterback in the Super Bowl era. He paved the way for many others and created an indelible legacy, including through our Marlin Briscoe Diversity Coaching Scholarship. Our deepest condolences go out to Marlin’s family, friends and former teammates.”
After his first season in the organization, the Broncos traded quarterbacks, Briscoe was released and signed with the Bills, where he became a receiver and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1970 after catching 57 catches for 1 036 yards and 8 TDs. He was also a SB VII and VIII champion in the early 1970s with the Dolphins, being part of the undefeated 1972 team, where he contributed 16 receptions for 279 yards and 4 touchdowns.
After leaving Miami in 1974, he played eight games the following season with the Detroit Lions and another three with the then San Diego Chargers. In 1976 he landed in New England, organization that would serve as his last team in the league, and would retire with 224 receptions for 3,537 yards and 30 TDs. How would you describe Marlin Briscoe’s career in the NFL?
Adrian Peterson and Le’Veon Bell will celebrate boxing exhibition
There are cycles that come to an end in order to start others, and that seems to be the case of Adrian Peterson and Le’Veon Bell, both NFL running backs who, although they have not made any kind of formal retirement official, are about to make a new incursion into a very different sport. ESPN announced on Monday that Peterson and Bell will face each other in a boxing exhibition on July 30 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
The bout will take place as part of an event called Social Gloves 2, promoted by YouTube star Austin McBroom, who will face AnEsonGib on the main card. For Peterson and Bell, this will mark their first boxing match, however, since it is only an exhibition, it will not officially count as their professional debut.
Following the event, either Peterson or Bell could report to NFL training camps, but it is currently unclear if there are any teams interested in acquiring their services. Peterson, 37, the fifth all-time leading rusher, ran with the Titans and Seahawks in 2021, but accumulated only 98 yards and 2 TDs on 38 carries, while Bell recorded 101 yards and 2 TDs on 39 carries between the Ravens and Buccaneers. Would Adrian Peterson and Le’Veon Bell succeed if they decide to move to boxing?
Mac Jones receives praise from Jonnu Smith
With the 2022 season fast approaching, expectations are high in New England after a run to the Playoffs last season under Alabama graduate QB Mac Jones. Heading into his second year in the league, Jones is keeping alive the Patriots’ hopes of re-creating a dynasty or at least regaining the top spot in the AFC East, and while it’s still too early to talk about it, TE Jonnu Smith was quick to praise Jones:
“Mac is definitely one of the goofiest guys in the locker room,” Jones said Monday, via NFL Network. “But when he steps on the field, he’s a different character. He just has so much skill and so much dog in him. Once he flips that switch on, he’s a whole different character. Some guys don’t know how to turn that on and off when it’s time to do it. He’s so young, he’s poised. He’s got a little bit of swagger, man. I’m glad he’s throwing us passes. That’s my guy.”
Smith, who landed in New England during the 2021 offseason from Tennessee, had a disappointing first season with the Patriots, accumulating just 28 receptions for 294 yards and 1 TD in 16 games played. However, the team expects him to regain the level he once showed with the Titans and help Jones establish himself as a new NFL superstar. Can Jonnu Smith redeem himself next year under Mac Jones?
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