Opinion: Deshaun Watson’s legal drama puts career move on pause as NFL GMs weigh allegations

Start with the shock across the NFL stemming from the allegations against Deshaun Watson. The disgruntled Houston Texans quarterback with a squeaky clean image is suddenly facing separate civil suits from multiple women alleging sexual misconduct after they were hired by Watson as massage therapists.

“I hope and pray it’s not true,” an NFL general manager from a rival team told USA TODAY Sports.

Another GM, same sentiment: “I hope that this is not true. This guy’s reputation has been impeccable. It’s disappointing.”

And still this, from another GM: “My first thought was, ’Somebody’s trying to take advantage of Deshaun.’ But if they’re taking it to this level and are willing to put themselves in court, they must have something.”

As the Houston attorney representing the women, Tony Buzbee, filed four more lawsuits against Watson on Thursday night, and the suits became public Friday morning, the ripple effect is intensifying – even as Watson, 25, has broadly denied wrongdoing. It is unclear whether any of the women have reported the incidents to police, or plan to do so. 

USA TODAY Sports spoke with the GMs for four NFL teams on Thursday under the condition of anonymity to assess the damage from an evolving situation that not only threatens Watson’s image but could significantly impact his market value as the star quarterback seeks a trade from the Houston Texans after reportedly declaring that he will never play for the team again. This comes just months after Watson signed a four-year, $156 million contract extension.

The GMs spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue.

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