Nike suspends deal with Texans’ Watson

Nike has suspended its endorsement contract with Deshaun Watson amid nearly two dozen allegations of sexual assault and harassment against the Houston Texans’ quarterback.

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

Watson has been accused of sexual assault or harassment in lawsuits filed by 22 women, most professional masseuses or physical therapists who were trying to give Watson a massage when the alleged crimes occurred.

Watson, through his attorney, has denied the allegations. NFL: The Cincinnati Bengals released running back Giovani Bernard, a fan favorite who had a year left on a twoyear contract that would have paid him $4.1 million in 2021.

⏩ The Buffalo Bills agreed to terms with former Los Angeles Chargers guard Forrest Lamp on a oneyear contract.

⏩ The Dallas Cowboys signed former Houston punter Bryan Anger, a Cal alum, and former Washington tight end Jeremy Sprinkle.

Soccer: The National Women’s Soccer League and the NWSL Players Association have begun negotiations on the league’s first collective bargaining agreement.

The two sides already had worked together on issues including player health and safety and pay ahead of last summer’s Challenge Cup, played in a bubble in Utah. The NWSL was the first professional U.S. team sports league to return amid the coronavirus pandemic. Players who opted out of the tournament for personal reasons were still guaranteed salaries and insurance.

The NWSL has 10 teams and will open its ninth season May 15.

⏩ In Champions League quarterfinals first legs, Kylian Mbappe scored twice to lead Paris SaintGermain to a 32 win at defending champion Bayern Munich; and Chelsea won 20 at Porto.