The Houston Texans have been docked a fifth-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and fined $175,000 for a salary cap reporting violation involving former team quarterback Deshaun Watson.
An NFL investigation determined that the Texans provided Watson with membership to an athletic club in 2020, when the team facility was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The NFL’s collective-bargaining agreement stipulates that teams must report any compensation or benefit given by the clubs to its players.
Watson was traded to the Cleveland Browns before the 2022 season after being accused of sexual misconduct by dozens of women, most of whom work or worked as massage therapists. The three-time Pro Bowl QB was allegedly sexually inappropriate with the women during massage therapy appointments while he played for Houston between 2019 and 2021. Watson settled 23 of 24 civil lawsuits filed by the women, who have accused him of everything from indecent exposure to claims of forced oral sex.
In July, the Texans reached confidential settlements with 30 women who accused Watson of sexual misconduct. The NFL club was accused of enabling Watson by allegedly ignoring his behavior and securing him a membership at a local hotel and club, the Houstonian, where he allegedly sexually harassed and assaulted female massage therapists.
It’s unclear if the NFL is punishing the Texans for giving Watson a membership to the Houstonian or another club in the Houston area. An NFL spokesman did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com’s request for clarification.
An NFL investigation determined that the Texans provided Deshaun Watson (pictured) with membership to an athletic club in 2020, when the team facility was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The NFL’s collective-bargaining agreement stipulates that teams must report any compensation or benefit given by the clubs to its players
