Deshaun Watson testimony reveals massage therapist cried during encounter

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson provided additional testimony this past week regarding his encounter with Ashley Solis, a massage therapist who was one of 22 women to accuse him of sexual misconduct. During a pretrial deposition, Watson said the alleged incident ended with Solis crying as he left her Houston area home.

Watson sent her a text message afterward apologizing for his actions that Solis’ attorney presented as evidence.

“Sorry about you feeling uncomfortable,” he wrote, according to a screenshot of it previously posted by her lawyers. “Never were the intentions. Lmk if you want to work in the future. My apologies.”

Solis did not reply to the text, according to the lawsuit.

Of course, what caused Solis to cry is the main question following this revelation. She alleges that Watson made inappropriate contact with her during what she thought was a routine massage, causing her to feel scared. Watson, on the other hand, denies any sexual misconduct in all 22 of the alleged incidents.

When pressed, the quarterback told lawyers he did not know what made Solis begin crying.

“Yes, because she was teary-eyed,” Watson replied. “And I was trying to figure out what was going on. So, I assumed that she was uncomfortable in whatever reason. And we talked about working in the future. And so, I said, `We can work in the future. Just let me know.’ And then I sent my apologies as whatever reason she was teary-eyed for.”

Deshaun Watson was not arrested or charged in any of the cases after two grand juries declined to indict him on criminal charges. However, he’s still facing 22 civil cases regarding sexual misconduct allegations, and has more pretrial depositions scheduled for June. He is not expected to go to trial with any of these lawsuits until after February, according to a deal between the plaintiffs and defense attorneys.

The quarterback could also face a potential suspension from the NFL for violating its personal conduct policy. He is scheduled to meet with league officials regarding the matter later this week.

Watson did not play at all during the 2021 season as he awaited the results of his criminal trial. After the first deposition in Harris County cleared him of criminal charges, the three-time Pro Bowler was shipped from Houston to Cleveland in exchange for six draft picks. There, he is expected to make his return as the Browns starting quarterback in 2022.