Houston police investigating Texans QB Watson

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is accused of sexual assault and harassment in lawsuits filed by 21 women, is being investigated by police after a report was filed regarding the NFL player, officials said Friday.

In a tweet Friday, the Houston Police Department said a complainant had filed a report with the agency about Watson.

“As with any allegation, the Houston Police Department is now conducting an investigation and will not comment further during the investigative process,” the law enforcement agency said.

Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, has called the allegations “meritless” and has questioned the claims made against the NFL player, alleging they were made following a failed attempt to blackmail his client for $30,000.

“We welcome this long overdue development. Now we will learn the identity of at least one accuser. We will fully cooperate with the Houston Police Department,”

Hardin said Friday in a statement.

It was not immediately known if the person who filed the report with Houston police is one of the women who has filed suit against Watson. Tony Buzbee, who represents the 21 women, did not immediately return an email seeking comment Friday.

The women, in lawsuits filed in state court in Houston, accuse Watson of exposing himself, touching them with his penis or kissing them against their will while he got a massage. At least one woman has alleged Watson forced her to perform oral sex during a massage in December. All of the women who have sued Watson are either licensed massage therapists or worked in a spa or similar business.

CAPS DUMP DEVS

Dmitry Orlov scored on a length-of-the-ice rush with 21 seconds left in overtime and the Washington Capitals beat New Jersey 2-1 for their seventh straight win over the Devils this season.

Vitek Vanecek made three outstanding saves in the extra period, including a close-in redirection attempt by Travis Zajac seconds before Orlov skated up ice and ripped a shot over Mackenzie Blackwood.

John Carlson scored for the third time in two days. Vanecek finished with 22 saves in helping Washington move back into first place in the East Division, two points ahead of the Islanders and Penguins.

Michael McLeod scored for New Jersey and Blackwood made 38 saves, including a stop on a breakaway by Conor Sheary in the opening seconds of overtime.

TRINGALE LEADS TEXAS OPEN

Cameron Tringale made a move for his first PGA Tour victory with a 3-under-par 69 Friday and a two-shot lead after two rounds of the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio.

Tringale, a 12-year veteran, was at 9-under 135 after a round that included fivestraight birdies and leads Jordan Spieth and Englishman