FBI involved in Watson case
An attorney for 22 women who have filed lawsuits accusing Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and harassment said Wednesday that he and some of his clients have spoken to the FBI about the case.
Tony Buzbee told The Associated Press that the FBI “reached out to me, and I responded.” The FBI’s involvement was first reported Tuesday by League of Justice, a website that reports on sports and the law.
The revelation by Buzbee of the FBI’s involvement prompted Watson’s lead attorney to hold a news conference on Wednesday to say that the FBI had spoken with the quarterback earlier this year about allegations of extortion by one of his accusers.
In their lawsuits, the 22 women accuse Watson of exposing himself, touching them with his penis or kissing them against their will during massage appointments.
Watson and his lawyers have denied the accusations. His lawyers have said “some sexual activity” happened during some of the appointments but that he never coerced anyone.
Houston police are investigating some of the accusations, but no charges have been filed. The NFL has launched its own probe.
Rodgers: No farewell tour, please
Three-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, whose future with the Packers after this season is unclear as he remains at odds with team management, isn’t looking to treat his 17th season any differently than the previous ones.
“I don’t want a farewell tour,” Rodgers said after a joint practice with the Jets. “I don’t know what’s going to happen after the season, but I’m going to enjoy it with the right perspective, for sure, and not look at it as I’m getting through this. I’m going to enjoy the hell out of all of it.”
Packers’ Love held out of practice
Packers quarterback Jordan Love did not take part in the joint practice with the Jets, NBC Sports reported.
Love has been dealing with a shoulder issue, but coach Matt LaFleur said the team will “give him every opportunity to play” against the Jets on Saturday.
Broncos’ QB race still wide-open
Erratic practices throughout training camp and a stellar preseason opener for both Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater have left Denver fans — and maybe even coach Vic Fangio himself — still wondering who will win the Broncos’ starting quarterback job.
Fangio said neither nudged into the lead last weekend at Minnesota, where Lock (153.3) and Bridgewater (144.8) posted the two best passer ratings in the NFL’s opening slate of exhibitions games in dicing up the Vikings’ backups 33-6.
But Fangio did say he is “pretty damn close” to making a decision.
Lock got the start and went 5-for-7 for 151 yards and two touchdowns, including an 80yard strike to K.J. Hamler, and Bridgewater completed 7 of 8 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown in relief.