What were the allegations against Deshaun Watson? Revisiting the controversy amid his Taylor Rooks’ redemption interview and Mia Khalifa’s resurfaced clip (Image via Getty: Deshaun Watson)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson defeated the Aaron Rodgers-led Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football in Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season. The civil lawsuits against Watson have been resolved, but the allegations remain part of the public discussion surrounding his 2026 NFL journey. April 2020: Watson contacted a licensed esthetician through Instagram.
Because he’s returning to the gridiron after nearly two years.
He told her, “I know you have a career and a reputation. Watson told her to work on the crevices of his groin area during the massage. Watson told her not to be afraid to touch him. She told him that she was not paid to do that. He told her that’s what he paid for, and then he left.
But that was not the only thing that drew attention to Watson. The redemption interview has brought renewed attention to the sexual misconduct allegations that gravely affected Deshaun Watson’s career, reputation, and relationship with NFL fans. Why? So, that’s exactly where he’ll be most judged. And I know you would hate for someone to mess with yours, just like I don’t want anyone messing with mine. He texted her later to apologize, but she did not respond. She alleged that when he rolled over onto his back, he had an erection and repeatedly touched her hand with his penis. He ejaculated. This left her feeling confused and mortified. Since his penis was exposed, she had to brush against it during the massage. He paid only a third of what he was supposed to pay.
She reached out to a friend in the NFL and told him what had happened. That player said that there is a thin line between physical therapy and sexual pleasure, and Watson had crossed that line into sexual pleasure.