Nike suspended its endorsement contract with Deshaun Watson amid the sexual assault and inappropriate conduct allegations levied against the Houston Texans quarterback.
“We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and have suspended Deshaun Watson. We will continue to closely monitor the situation,” Nike said in a statement to CNBC on Wednesday.
Nike is the official outfitter of the NFL. Watson signed with the sports apparel giant prior to the 2017 NFL Draft.
Multiple media outlets on Wednesday reported Beats by Dre ended its relationship with Watson.
Watson also has endorsement deals with Rolex, Texas-based grocery store chain H-E-B and Reliant Energy.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Tuesday that the league is continuing its investigation into Watson.
“The allegations are deeply disturbing and we take these issues very seriously. Immediately following news of the first allegations last month, and as has been reported, we initiated an investigation under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. We are continuing to closely monitor all developments in the matter,” he said.
One of Watson’s original accusers, massage therapist Ashley Solis, tearfully told her story on Tuesday at a press conference arranged by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, who is representing her and 21 other women who have filed lawsuits.
“I’m here to take back the power and take back control,” Solis said. “I’m a survivor of assault and harassment.”
Solis said Watson assaulted her at her home on March 30, 2020.
Watson, 25, has denied the accusations of the women who allege he used massages as pretext to prey on them. In the lawsuits, he is accused of exposing his genitals to the women and forcing at least one to perform oral sex.
Watson agreed to a four-year, $156 million contract extension last September, and he subsequently produced his third consecutive Pro Bowl season for the Texans. However, he requested a trade in January.
