In a statement, Deshaun Watson's lawyer, Rusty Hardin, says that allegations of sexual assault against the quarterback are false, and he says that one of the plaintiffs who has brought a case against Watson attempted to blackmail him.
Hardin issued a lengthy statement to Pro Football Talk:
"I want to emphasize at the outset that we and Deshaun recognize that sexual assault and harassment are not only unlawful, but morally wrong. It takes courage for women to come forward to report being mistreated, particularly when they attach their names to a lawsuit," Hardin began. "We do not take these allegations lightly. However, fairness to the accused is equally as important."