Watson furor shows no signs of slowing
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson reiterated he never committed sexual misconduct and said he plans to keep fighting to clear his name.
Watson, who is facing civil lawsuits from 24 massage therapists in Texas accusing him of sexual assault and harassment during private sessions when he was with the Texans, on Tuesday stood by previous comments proclaiming his innocence.
‘‘I never assaulted anyone,’’ Watson said after the first practice of the Browns’ mandatory minicamp. ‘‘I never harassed anyone or I never disrespected anyone. I never forced anyone to do anything.’’
Two grand juries in Texas declined to indict him on criminal complaints, but he still faces possible discipline from the NFL under its personal-conduct policy in addition to the civil cases. Watson said he has been ‘‘open and truthful’’ with the league.
In related news, attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents all the women suing Watson, said he plans to file two more suits against him. The New York Times reported last week that Watson booked appointments with at least 66 women over 17 months while he played for the Texans.
Kingsbury wants Murray resolution
Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury said he wants quarterback Kyler Murray’s contract situation to be resolved before the team reports for training camp late next month.
‘‘I’m praying before training camp,’’ Kingsbury said after the first day of the Cardinals’ mandatory minicamp, which Murray didn’t attend as he seeks a new contract.
Murray is set to earn $5.5 million this season and $29.7 million in 2023 after the Cardinals picked up his fifth-year option. But he wants a new deal that is on par with those of top-tier stars Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Deshaun Watson and Dak Prescott.
Rivera says Del Rio apologized to team
Commanders coach Ron Rivera said defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio addressed the team to apologize for his recent comments comparing protests after the killing of George Floyd in 2020 with the insurrection Jan. 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol.
Rivera said Del Rio also met individually with some players to discuss his remarks, which drew a $100,000 fine from the team.
‘‘He was very open, very forthright, very contrite and apologized and opened himself up to questions or opportunities for any players to come in and meet with him,’’ Rivera said.
Broadcast news
NBC hired former Cowboys coach Jason Garrett as a studio analyst for its ‘‘Sunday Night Football’’ telecasts, and Amazon Prime hired former Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman as a studio analyst for its first season carrying ‘‘Thursday Night Football.’’