Three sponsors abandon Watson

Nike, Reliant and Beats by Dre end or suspend deals with embattled QB

Nike suspended its business relationship with Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is facing 22 civil lawsuits that allege sexual assault and harassment.

Two other corporations — Beats by Dre and Reliant Energy — also ended their deals with Watson.

Nike informed Watson of its decision a week ago. His status with the sports company, which is an NFL partner, will be determined pending developments with his legal situation, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.

“We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and have suspended Deshaun Watson,” Nike said in a statement emailed to the Chronicle. “We will continue to closely monitor the situation.”

On Tuesday, one of the 22 women to file suit came forward to describe her struggles since her massage session with Watson.

“We were all deceived into thinking that Deshaun Watson was a great guy,” Ashley Solis said. “Unfortunately, we know that good guys can do terrible things.”

Watson and his attorney have denied the allegations.

The Houston Police Department is investigating one criminal complaint against Watson, and the NFL is also looking into the cases.

Beats by Dre and Watson had a business relationship since he was drafted in the first round in 2017 out of Clemson.

Reliant’s relationship with Watson already was scheduled to end. NRG Energy, which is the parent company of Reliant, owns the naming rights to NRG Stadium, where the Texans play.

“Reliant is aware of pending civil lawsuits and a criminal investigation involving Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans quarterback,” Reliant said in an email. “Our relationship with Watson as a brand ambassador was scheduled to end this spring prior to these allegations, and there are no plans for future engagements or contracts with him. We take accusations of this nature very seriously. With respect to the legal process, we do not have any further comment on this matter.”

Watson also appeared on commercials for H-E-B, but that deal ended after the season, and the company said “there are no plans for future engagement.”

Watson remains an equity partner in Lefty’s Cheesesteak, which has three Houston locations and franchises in Florida, Michigan and California. He is a partner in Rally Road, an alternative investment platform that offers shares in collectible assets ranging from cars to art to sports memorabilia.

Before the civil suits were filed, Watson had asked for a trade from the Texans.