Nike suspends, Beats ends deal with Watson
Nike suspended its endorsement contract with Deshaun Watson amid allegations of sexual assault and harassment against the Texans quarterback. Also, the headphones company Beats by Dr. Dre reportedly ended its partnership with Watson.
“We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and have suspended Deshaun Watson,” Nike said in a statement released Wednesday. “We will continue to closely monitor the situation.”
Houston-based Reliant Energy said that its relationship with Watson was scheduled to end this spring and that the company has “no plans for future engagements or contracts with him,” and supermarket chain H-E-B said in a statement that “There are no plans for future engagement” after its deal with Watson expired after the 2020 season.
Watson has been accused of sexual assault or harassment in lawsuits filed by 22 women.
Eagles re-sign RB Howard, add LB Wilson
The Eagles signed running back Jordan Howard and former Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson to one-year deals.
Howard, 26, rejoined the Eagles last November after being waived by the Dolphins. He was traded from the Bears to the Eagles in 2019 and rushed for 525 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games. Howard will compete with Miles Sanders and Boston Scott in the running- back rotation.
Wilson, 26, tied for the NFL lead among linebackers with three interceptions in 2020, and he also had three sacks to go with 122 tackles in his breakout season.
Fields will have second pro day
Justin Fields will throw for scouts for a second time on April 14. Unlike the first goround, the 49ers — who were in Tuscaloosa to watch Alabama’s Mac Jones throw — will be in attendance with coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch expected to attend.
This and that
Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith, quarterback Mac Jones and former LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase are among nine players who will appear in person at the NFL Draft. The Washington Football Team hired Natalia
Dorantes to serve as its coordinator of football programs, making her the first Latina to fill that role in the NFL.
The Titans hired veteran defensive coordinator and former Lions head coach Jim Schwartz as a senior defensive assistant. The Panthers agreed to a deal with freeagent cornerback A.J. Bouye.
The Bengals released veteran running back Giovani Bernard.
The 49ers signed former Eagles backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld to a one-year deal.