Did Deshaun Watson sexually assault women?
Deshaun Watson is a professional quarterback who played for the Houston Texans from 2017 - 2021. In 2021, several women sued Watson for sexual assault and sexual misconduct. The alleged acts occurred when Watson received a massage from the women. By June 2022, the number of women suing Watson grew to 24. That same month, Watson reached a settlement with 20 of the women. As of this writing, four lawsuits are still pending.
Despite his legal troubles and apparent misconduct, the Cleveland Browns made a deal with the Houston Texans and traded for Watson. The Browns gave Watson a five-year, $230 million contract. In March 2022, the Browns introduced Watson as their new quarterback. At the press conference, Watson denied the allegations by saying, "I have never assaulted any woman. I have never disrespected any woman."
The word never means not ever. When people use the word never, they are talking about their entire lifetime; "I have never been to Disney World." When used in a denial, the word never often weakens the denial. This is because the person is usually not addressing the specific issue at hand. Instead of saying, "I didn't assault these women," Watson talks in general terms, "I have never..."
During the same press conference, Watson also said, "I have never done the things that these people are alleging, and I am going to continue to fight for my name and clear my name."
Again, we see he used the word never. His statement, "things that these people are alleging" is not very specific.
In June 2022, Watson again spoke to the press. He stuck to using the same weak denial; "I never assaulted, disrespected or harassed anyone."
It is easier for a person to deny something when they talk in general terms - "I never" and "anyone."
We do not know what Watson's definition is for the words assaulting, disrespecting or harassing. Here are some of the things he is accused of doing.
1. Exposing himself.
2. Touching several women with his erect penis.
3. Forcing two women to perform oral sex.
4. Masturbating and ejaculating on three women.
The question Watson needs to be asked is, "Did you masturbate in front of any of these women?" If he chooses to answer that question, I will bet you the word no will not be in his answer. However, you will probably hear the word never.