As Deshaun Watson participates in training camp amidst an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, his accusers are growing frustrated.
Lauren Baxley and Ashley Solis — two of the 22 women who have filed civil lawsuits against the Texans quarterback — expressed disappointment with Watson’s presence at Houston’s training camp.
“The NFL recently made it clear that they were taking a stand against women and survivors of sexual assault when they stated that Watson would be able to participate in team activities without restrictions, despite the dozens of women whose experiences and testimony prove a pattern of mental and sexual abuse,” Baxley said in an interview with Sports Illustrated. “Watson deserves a fair day in court. But the NFL and Roger Goodell have failed me. And they have failed the other women by choosing inaction.”
The women additionally took offense to the way that the NFL has handled the investigation with regards to the interaction between the survivors and investigators.
Deshaun Watson at Texans’ training camp. AP“This woman asked me what I was wearing, which honestly really pissed me off,” Solis said. “She explained that that’s something that she has to ask, which I don’t believe at all. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to be wearing that would suggest that I don’t want you to put your penis on my hand. Do I need to wear a turtleneck?”
Baxley maintained that the investigators, including the league’s leading investigator, Lisa Friel, were attempting to “trip me up.”
“They didn’t, but they were really looking for the weaknesses that they thought they could exploit,” Baxley said.
The two women also detailed their specific encounters with Watson. Watson reportedly exposed himself to the women during the massage and directed their hands towards his erect penis. According to Baxley, Watson was smiling throughout the session.
Watson, 25, reported for the start of training camp on July 28, his first activity with the organization since the allegations surfaced. He is awaiting the organization to appease his January trade request, though thus far no team has been willing to acquire the three-time Pro Bowler amidst the investigation.
