UPDATED (AP) — Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson says he’s determined to keep fighting to clear his name and insists he never committed sexual misconduct. He stood by previous comments proclaiming his innocence.
Watson is facing civil lawsuits from 24 massage therapists in Texas accusing him of sexual assault and harassment. But Watson says he never assaulted, harassed or disrespected anyone.
Watson was speaking for the first time since March 25, a week after the Browns signed him to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract despite his complex legal situation. Since then, his legal entanglements have grown with two more women filing lawsuits.
Elsewhere in the NFL:
— New York Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton has joined his teammates for the start of mandatory minicamp after he skipped the voluntary offseason program. He missed almost all of last season after dislocating his right kneecap and spraining his MCL in the opening game against Carolina.
— The Los Angeles Rams have re-signed linebacker Travin Howard six days after waiving him. Howard agreed to a one-year deal Tuesday. The Rams waived Howard last Wednesday a few hours before announcing their contract extension for Super Bowl MVP receiver Cooper Kupp. The moves were related for salary cap reasons, but Los Angeles managed to hang on to Howard anyway for a fifth season with the team.
—Buffalo Bills and Sabres co-owner Kim Pegula is in the intensive care unit of a Florida hospital receiving medical care for what her family described as being “some unexpected health issues.” The family’s statement says they are grateful for the progress she has made over the past few days. The statement didn’t detail what type of medical issues and asked reporters to respect the family’s need for privacy.
—Former Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett will be an analyst on NBC’s “Football Night in America” pregame show this upcoming season. The network made the announcement on Tuesday. Garrett is replacing Drew Brees, who decided not to return for a second year.
