NFL

New England Patriots offensive lineman Justin Herron was heralded as a hero Wednesday ... after cops say he helped stop a sexual assault at a park in Arizona over the weekend.

The story is terrifying ... Herron says he was walking around Kiwanis Park at 11 AM on Saturday in Tempe -- when all of a sudden, he heard screams coming from the middle of a field.

Herron says as he approached the scene ... he saw a man on top of a woman -- and acted quickly.

"I just knew that in that moment I had to go and had to put a stop to it," 25-year-old Herron said.

The 6-foot-5, 305-pound lineman -- who was in Arizona training after wrapping up his rookie season -- says he screamed at the man to get off, before he physically pulled the guy away from the woman.

"Then I told him to sit down," said Herron, who cops say was also joined by another good Samaritan, Murry Rogers, in putting a stop to the alleged crime. "And, he just sat down and waited."

Cops say when they arrived on the scene, they identified the suspect as 30-year-old Kevin Caballero.

The victim, police say, was a 71-year-old who Caballero had pushed to the ground and attempted to sexually assault.

Cops awarded both Herron and Rogers Outstanding Service Awards for their actions ... and Rogers said the alleged victim called the two men "her angels."

Brett Favre says his rock-bottom moment came right after winning the Super Bowl in 1997 ... admitting his addiction to painkillers nearly cost him his life.

The NFL Hall of Famer opened up on his battle with pills on "Bolling With Favre" on PodcastOne with guest Dr. Phil this week ... saying he first got addicted in 1994 after suffering an injury.

Favre started taking 2 pills a day ... which led to teammates helping get him more and more painkillers "to a point where I was basically taking in 2 days, a month's prescription, which is crazy."

Favre says he even suffered 2 seizures due to complications from his increased pill intake in 1995, which forced him to come clean with his addiction.

Despite a 75-day stint in rehab, Favre's addiction didn't end until after winning 3-straight MVP awards AND the Super Bowl in 1997 ... when he "was as low as I could possibly be."

That's the moment he knew he had to kick his addiction for good, saying "I said it's one of two things -- I die, or I flush these pills down the toilet."

"I sat by the toilet for two hours," Favre said. "Eventually, I dumped the pills in the toilet, flushed them and I almost wanted to kill myself because of doing that."

"I could not believe that I've actually done that and I was so mad at myself because now what was I gonna do?"

Russell Wilson got to enjoy some sports from the stands for once on Tuesday ... hitting up the Stanford vs. Oklahoma State game in the NCAA women's tourney to watch his sister, Anna, ball out!!

Of course, Russ ain't the only star athlete in the Wilson fam -- 23-year-old Anna is a 5th-year senior for the #1 Cardinal ... and she put her skills on display in front of her Super Bowl-winning bro as her team punched their tickets to the Sweet 16!!

Wilson ended up going 4-5 from the field with 11 points in the 73-62 win over the #8 Cowgirls ... and you can tell big bro loved every second of it.

In fact, Russ fanboyed out during the starting lineup announcement ... documenting the whole thing on his IG story, cheering Stanford on from the crowd and tweeting his excitement for his sister's team.

"SWEET 16!!! Let’s Go @StanfordWBB," Wilson tweeted Tuesday night.

But, don't worry, Seahawks fans -- Russ was masked up (with a covering that featured his own signature logo) and social distanced ... so the guy was being safe.

The Cardinal will now face their next opponent on Saturday ... and we know Russ can't wait.

The attorney representing the female masseuses in the sexual misconduct cases against Deshaun Watson is also digging in ... firing back at the QB's counsel and filing 2 more lawsuits against the NFL player on Tuesday.

Tony Buzbee -- who has now brought a total of SIXTEEN suits against Watson in the past week -- took aim at Rusty Hardin, calling B.S. on the Texans star's attorney and insisting more evidence of wrongdoing against Deshaun is on the way.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Buzbee said he'll be releasing a copy of an NDA Watson allegedly asked massage therapists to sign sometimes before and after sessions.

Buzbee insisted more court filings would be coming as well ... and also had some strong words and some questions regarding the scathing statement Hardin had released against him earlier in the day.

"Alleged sexual misconduct is serious," Buzbee said. "Attempting to criminalize or minimize those that speak out or step forward is wrong."

"I have been asked to respond to a released statement by Mr. Watson’s counsel. My first reaction is that there have been so many massage sessions from Instagram that Mr. Watson can’t keep track of them ... I can’t tell you how many people have stepped forward to report similar conduct or provide information."

"That info will be released, again in public filings -- not in the media."

Buzbee continued, "My second reaction is a question: why would his marketing agent admit Watson had sex for pay with a massage therapist, consensual or otherwise?"

"We will also provide a copy of the non-disclosure agreement that Deshaun Watson and his marketing manager repeatedly insisted that Jane Doe (and others) sign after (and sometimes before) the 'massage session,' which she refused to sign."

Buzbee concluded, "I do appreciate Mr. Hardin’s professionalism and his words of support for victims, but would respectfully suggest there are many facts here, that we will put in public filings, that Mr. Hardin might not be aware of."

As we previously reported, Hardin accused Buzbee of orchestrating "a circus-like atmosphere" with the public lawsuits against Deshaun ... and adamantly supported Watson, calling all the misconduct allegations against the 25-year-old "completely false."

Hardin also released a statement from Watson's marketing manager, Bryan Burney, in which Burney claimed that everything that had happened between Watson and one of the accusers was consensual.

Deshaun Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, is going scorched earth on the attorney representing the QB's accusers -- claiming Tony Buzbee has "orchestrated a circus-like atmosphere" to unfairly paint Watson as a sexual predator.

In his statement, Hardin stands by his client -- saying matter of factly, "I believe that any allegation that Deshaun forced a woman to commit a sexual act is completely false."

Hardin says his team has already begun to investigate the numerous lawsuits filed against the NFL star, but it's been extremely difficult because Buzbee will not reveal the identities of the women making the claims.

"The tactic of refusing our requests to confidentially provide the names of the plaintiffs so we can fully investigate their claims makes uncovering the truth extremely difficult."

"Anonymity is often necessary as a shield for victims but opposing counsel has used it as a sword to publicly humiliate Deshaun before the truth‑seeking process can even begin."

Hardin says his own investigation has already uncovered "strong evidence" showing one of the accusers is lying.

Hardin also claims ... in January, "a woman attempted to blackmail Deshaun by demanding $30,000 in exchange for her 'indefinite silence' about what she stated was a consensual encounter."

Additionally, Hardin says his team has received "numerous unsolicited comments in the past week from many licensed massage therapists who have worked with Deshaun in recent years."

"These women describe him as a gentleman and a model client who never engaged in inappropriate conduct. Indeed, before these salacious claims, everyone who associated with Deshaun described him as an outstanding, respectful, and compassionate man."

Hardin had strong words for Buzbee ... saying, "Opposing counsel has orchestrated a circus-like atmosphere by using social media to publicize 14 'Jane Doe' lawsuits during the past seven days in a manner calculated to inflame the public and malign Deshaun’s otherwise sterling reputation."

In other words, Watson is not backing down and judging by the statement, he's digging in his heels to fight this thing out as long as it takes.

Mike Evans is fresh off winning a Super Bowl, but he’s not done making great plays -- the Tampa Bay Buccaneers star just donated $50k to help those affected by the winter storm tragedy in Texas.

27-year-old Evans is originally from Galveston, Texas ... an area that was heavily impacted by the storm. In fact, there were reportedly 3 storm-related deaths in the area ... and at least 25 others in nearby Harris County.

Evans says he was inspired to help the same community that shaped him into an NFL star ... which resulted in a $50,000 check from his foundation to the United Way of Galveston.

"The Galveston community has been so supportive of me throughout my career," Evans said Monday. "After I heard about the destruction the winter storm caused, I knew I had to do something to give that same support back.”

The money given to United Way of Galveston will be distributed in two parts ... $37,500 will be given to the families in need in the form of gift cards for food and other essential items Lindsey White, executive director of United Way of Galveston said.

The remaining money will be given to the Johnny Mitchell Boys & Girls Club of Galveston and St. Vincent’s House to help underserved children and families.

“We’re so thankful that the foundation entrusted us with these much-needed funds for Galveston families," White continued.

"Their decision to support our community as we’re reeling from the compounded effects of the pandemic and the winter storm will have a huge impact on those that call Galveston home.”

The 14th female massage therapist to accuse Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct says the NFL star is "a serial predator" who assaulted her in Los Angeles last year.

The masseuse -- using the pseudonym "Jane Doe" to protect her identity -- spelled it all out this week in a new lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Sports.

In the suit, Doe says Watson reached out to her via Instagram last summer ... and set up an appointment for a massage at a Beverly Hills, Calif. residence on July 15, 2020.

Once there ... Doe says Watson led her to a room in the home, closed the doors and locked them.

She says once she began the massage ... the 25-year-old Houston Texans quarterback turned aggressive, and at one point, attempted to force her to grab his penis.

In the suit, Doe says she was "terrified" during the session ... and after the massage had ended, she claims Watson told her, "I will not have you sign a NDA [Non-Disclosure Agreement] but don't ever talk about this."

Doe says the whole incident left her feeling "violated, ashamed, and disgusted."

Doe claims several months later, in December 2020, Watson reached out to her again ... but she says she did not respond.

The woman -- like the previous 13 female massage therapists who have filed lawsuits against the NFL superstar -- is suing for unspecified damages.

Dabo Swinney is clearly torn up about the sexual misconduct allegations directed at his former Clemson QB Deshaun Watson -- saying he's "disappointed" by the accusations but still supports the guy.

Swinney coached Watson at Clemson for 3 seasons -- from 2014 to 2016 -- and they became pretty close during their time together.

Swinney was asked if he was surprised to see so many women making accusations about Watson ... and when it came time to answer, Dabo kept it real.

"Yeah ... I mean, certainly [I was surprised]," Swinney told reporters during a Monday news conference.

"[I was] disappointed to see his name in the news and all that's going on .. but hey, look, I love Deshaun Watson."

Swinney continued to explain why he's supporting Watson throughout the situation.

"He’s like a son to me. That's how I love him. As far as the legal stuff and all that ... that will take its course. Certainly can't speculate or comment on any of that stuff, but all I can tell you is I've known Deshaun since the 9th grade and he's been nothing but exemplary in every area that I've ever known him in."

He continued, "In the 3 years that he was here as a player, I think I had a chance to yell at him one time. He was 5 minutes late to a team meeting that he overslept for. That's it."

"That's the Deshaun I know. I can only base my thoughts on my experiences with him, which have been wonderful."

"Again, I love him like a son, and we'll just have to see where everything else goes from there."

So far, 14 women have filed lawsuits against Watson -- with attorney Tony Buzbee claiming there are still 10 more women who could also take action.

The awkwardness in Detroit is dead ... Michael Brockers says he's smoothed things over with his teammate, Jared Goff, after shading the QB during a chat with TMZ Sports earlier this month.

So, here's the backstory ... back in January, the Rams made a deal to send Goff to the Detroit Lions in exchange for Matthew Stafford.

Brockers -- who was still under contract with the Rams at the time -- told TMZ Sports in early March he LOVED the move because Stafford was a "level up" from Goff and the Rams would be better off.

"Is it a level up?" Brockers asked. “In my heart, deeply, just understanding what [Stafford] brings, it’s a level up [over Goff]. It’s a level up."

But, shortly after Brockers made the comments, the Rams traded HIM to Detroit ... so yeah, AWKWARD, RIGHT!?!

Well, Brockers was asked about the situation during a media session Monday -- and explained he's already spoken to Goff ... and they're good.

"I have so much respect for him and just understanding that, you know, that wasn't any shot against him," Brockers said.

"It was just trying to pump up the Rams fanbase as I was on the Rams team."

He continued, "I didn't know I was going to be dealing with free agency. I was really just trying to boost up the move that I felt like the team was doing."

"Just trying to boost up the fan base. I don't think it was anything against Jared. I even had to go text Jared away from the camera. Just as man-to-man -- I did not mean for it to go like that. I didn't mean what I said."

"As a man, I respect you as a player. You took me to the Super Bowl, it wasn't like that ... I respect every player and every player's ability in this league."

For his part, Goff said Monday he accepted Brockers' explanation ... saying on 97.1 The Ticket that he and MB are "all good" now.

"Brock's obviously one of my good friends and teammates. Obviously, I get it," Goff added.

Former 49ers RB Jarryd Hayne -- who was also a massive international rugby star -- was convicted of sexual assault Monday ... and he's now facing serious time behind bars.

A jury in Sydney, Australia found the 33-year-old guilty of two counts of sexual intercourse without consent ... after a woman had accused Hayne of getting violent with her in bed in Sept. 2018.

The woman claimed Hayne had performed sexual acts on her without her consent ... and caused her serious injuries.

Hayne -- who was ultimately charged with aggravated sexual intercourse without consent as well as two counts of sexual intercourse without consent -- had denied the allegations, insisting it all was consensual and explaining the injuries were caused by accident.

A jury was hung on the charges at a trial last year ... but a second jury convicted Hayne of the two counts of sexual intercourse without consent Monday after an 18-hour deliberation.

The jury found him not guilty of aggravated sexual intercourse without consent.

Hayne -- who will have his sentencing hearing on May 6 -- is now facing up to 14 years in prison.

Jarryd spoke with media members outside of the courthouse after the verdict Monday ... and said he'd appeal the decision, insisting once again he was innocent.

"I'd rather go to jail knowing I spoke the truth than be a free man living a lie," Hayne said ... "It’s unfortunate, it’s disappointing. But at the end of the day, they’ve come to the decision. I respect that."

Hayne is a huge celeb in Australia -- gaining fame for his accomplishments on the rugby pitch.

Two more female massage therapists have filed lawsuits against Deshaun Watson ... with one accuser claiming the NFL star was so aggressive with her, she was "scared for her life."

TMZ Sports has obtained the two new suits -- bringing the official number to NINE total against the Houston Texans QB -- and in them, Watson is accused of more disturbing actions against women -- though he's denied ALL of the allegations from all of the accusers and said he's the target of a baseless money grab.

In one of the new lawsuits, a female masseuse -- identified as Jane Doe to protect her identity -- says she was first introduced to Watson in June 2020 after the NFL player had booked her through her manager.

Doe says she showed up to Watson's hotel in the Houston, Texas area to administer the massage ... but claims things quickly went sideways.

In the suit, the woman says a short time into the massage ... Watson became aggressive, and "groped her buttocks and vagina and then pushed her buttocks into his face."

The woman says she then slapped Watson, told him she didn't want that ... and claims the QB then apologized.

Doe says Watson then asked her to clean massage oil off of him because he had to leave for practice ... but she claims the quarterback "began using his penis to touch [Jane Doe's] hand."

She says was "mortified" by his actions ... and covered Watson's private area with a towel so she could finish wiping the oil off and leave.

Doe claims Watson only paid her $100 instead of the agreed-upon $300 ... saying the QB had told her manager that she "had not given him what he wanted."

Two months later, on Aug. 17, 2020 ... the woman says Watson reached out to her over Instagram to get another massage.

In her suit, the woman says she did not realize it was the same Watson ... and scheduled an appointment with the Texans player that same night at the spa she worked at.

Doe claims when Watson arrived ... she immediately recognized him and scolded him for "inappropriate" behavior in their previous meeting.

The woman says Watson apologized and "told her something to the effect that he had never been rejected by a woman before."

Doe claims she told Watson she was a lesbian and was not interested in him ... and says Deshaun "agreed to not be inappropriate again."

But, Doe says a short time later, Watson became aggressive ... made comments about her body.

The woman says she continued the massage in order to avoid trouble with her manager ... but she says at one point Watson pulled her close and said he wanted to ejaculate.

In the suit, Doe says she told Watson to "stop acting like a pervert" ... but says Deshaun continued with the sexual misconduct anyway.

The woman claims Watson asked her to perform oral sex on her ... and then "forced [Jane Doe's] mouth onto his penis." She says Watson's actions were so inappropriate, they made her "scared for her life."

Doe says Watson continued to push for oral sex -- and when she declined ... Watson let her go and then began masturbating in front of her.

The woman is now suing for unspecified damages.

The second suit filed on Monday contains similar allegations ... with another "Jane Doe" female masseuse alleging Watson was inappropriate with her during a March 2021 massage in the Atlanta area.

In the suit, the woman says Watson "put his penis on her hand" during their appointment ... but when she quickly moved away and made it clear she wouldn't go further with him -- she says the quarterback got dressed, paid her and left.

The woman is also suing for unspecified damages.

According to the attorney of the two women, several more lawsuits could be filed against Watson soon ... with Tony Buzbee claiming 22 women in total have come forward to him with allegations of sexual misconduct against the QB.

Buzbee added he's been in contact with both the Houston Police Department and the Houston District Attorney, cooperating in the potential criminal investigation into the claims.

For Watson's part, he's denied any wrongdoing ... insisting the entire thing is an effort by Buzbee to score an unwarranted payday from lying clients.

Robert Kraft ain't bitter Tom Brady won a Super Bowl while his Patriots sucked this season ... in fact, he's HAPPY for his former QB ... saying TB12 deserved to win it all in 2021.

Of course, both sides took the high road following their breakup ... with Kraft publicly rooting for Brady in SBLV against the Kansas City Chiefs last month.

Now that some time has passed, New England's owner was asked what he REALLY thought of Brady winning ring #7 as his Pats went 7-9 and missed the playoffs ... and Kraft remains adamant there's no bad blood.

"Well, I was really happy for him," Kraft told Sports Illustrated. "He’s a great guy and he gave us 20 wonderful years, and he made the choice to do what he wanted to do."

Kraft admits he "wasn't that happy" to watch his superstar of 20 years walk out the door ... but understands that's what happens in the industry.

Since the Pats basically had ZERO chance of winning the SB in their first season sans TB12, Kraft explains he had to root for the guy.

"... If we’re not going to win, and someone’s got to do it, I’m happy for him. He deserves it."

"I’m not normally that polite," he joked.

The Pats have been busy in free agency in hopes of returning to the playoffs -- they're shelling out $130 MILLION in guaranteed money to 8 new signings -- and Kraft makes it clear last season's struggles can't happen again.

"We gotta win," he added. "And I think we’re in a better position than we were two weeks ago to do that. But we’ll let things play out."

Dez Bryant says he's still devastated by the death of ex-NFL star Vincent Jackson -- and wants to do everything in his power to save other NFL players from suffering the same fate.

So, how can Dez help?

The 32-year-old wide receiver tells TMZ Sports he has a plan to become a mentor/life coach for struggling athletes ... with a focus on tending to their mental health.

"Depression and anxiety, all that s**t is real, man," Bryant told us during a recent outing in L.A.

"Look at Vincent Jackson and God rest his soul. Look at some of our brothers we've lost. These young brothers [are] in their early 30s, 40s ... it don't make sense."

Jackson -- a 3-time Pro Bowl WR who played 12 seasons in the NFL -- died alone last month in a hotel room at the Homewood Suites in Brandon, FL.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said Jackson likely died from issues connected to "chronic alcoholism."

Deshaun Watson insists the only reason he contacted massage therapists over social media is because his usual masseuse couldn't work on him due to the COVID pandemic.

Multiple sources connected to Watson tell us ... the NFL superstar is still adamant he did NOT sexually assault any of the women making claims against him.

He's obviously been following the story ... but strongly disputes the claims made by attorney Tony Buzbee, who claims to be talking with 22 women who say they were violated by Watson.

Most of the women who have filed lawsuits claim Watson first contacted them on Instagram to set up a massage -- which they found surprising considering Watson is a pro athlete who should have tons of resources at his disposal to find established therapists.

But, our sources tell us ... Watson didn't just find these women out of the blue -- insisting when his usual therapist was stopped by the COVID pandemic, he reached out to various friends, teammates and associates to get recommendations.

We're told once Watson made contact ... he put an emphasis on privacy and spelled out the areas he wanted the massage to make sure the masseuse was comfortable and to ensure things stayed professional.

Our sources tell us ... Watson insists he never crossed the line with any of the women and still strongly believes they're being led by a money-hungry attorney who's looking for a payout.

There's more ... Deshaun -- who signed a 4-year, $156 million contract extension in 2020 -- obviously has the means to pay the women off if he wanted to, but he doesn't want to give them a cent because he's adamant he didn't do anything wrong.

Of course, Buzbee said during a news conference on Friday that he has personally vetted all of the accusers he represents ... and insists he's moving forward with their cases to hold Watson accountable, not to squeeze him for money.

More quarterback drama for the Seattle Seahawks ...

The guy who backs up Russell Wilson is being investigated by police for allegedly punching a man in the face at a bar on St. Patrick's Day ... TMZ Sports has learned.

25-year-old Alex McGough -- a 7th round pick in 2018 out of FIU -- was allegedly at the Green Parrot Pub in Tampa, FL when an altercation broke out ... and things got violent.

TMZ Sports spoke with the alleged victim, 24-year-old Anthony Albino -- who tells us he was reconnecting with an old friend at the bar when McGough approached him and accused him of shooting his shot at his girlfriend.

Anthony says the NFL player got heated -- and all of the sudden, McGough socked him in the face out of nowhere.

In video taken after the alleged incident -- and obtained by TMZ Sports -- you can see Anthony with red marks on his face ... surrounded by bloody paper towels he used to clean himself up.

Anthony says he suffered minor injuries from the incident ... including a bloody nose and a gash to his elbow.

We're told Anthony went to cops the following day and filled out a report with the intention of pressing charges.

So far, McGough has neither been arrested nor charged with a crime -- but our law enforcement sources confirm the incident is under investigation and officers are hoping to speak with McGough soon

We've reached out to McGough's camp for comment ... so far, no word back.

The Seahawks signed McGough to its practice squad back in December 2020 -- and he's currently listed as the #2 quarterback on the team depth chart.

There are now TWELVE women making sexual misconduct allegations against Deshaun Watson -- with 10 more accusers being vetted, according to attorney Tony Buzbee.

Buzbee represents the 7 women who have already filed lawsuits against Watson -- and at a news conference on Friday, he announced 5 more lawsuits are in the works.

"We are now representing 12 women and we will file 5 more cases in due course. We have spoken to more than 10 additional women, 22 women," Buzbee said.

To clarify, Buzbee said the additional 10 women all have similar stories to the first 12 ... but he's still gathering information before filing lawsuits on their behalf.

Of the 12 accusers, Buzbee says the women did NOT know each other before coming forward with their allegations.

The women come from different racial backgrounds -- 7 of them are Black, 2 Hispanic and 3 are Caucasian.

Additionally, Buzbee says he's been contacted by the Houston Police Dept. -- which is now looking into the allegations.

Buzbee says none of the accusers had gone to police before contacting his firm -- but says the "next step" is to submit a "package" of information to police, presumably to help launch a criminal probe.

During his news conference, Buzbee also shot down conspiracy theories that the Houston Texans were driving the lawsuits as a result of a standoff between Watson and Texans ownership. Buzbee says he lives near the family that owns the Texans but does not know them personally.

There's more ... Buzbee also notes that one of the accusers claims Watson assaulted her AFTER Buzbee had already been in contact with Watson's agent to inform him about a claim from another woman.

Buzbee says he's been personally sitting down with each accuser to vet their stories -- explaining he "wanted to make damn sure" the women were truthful.

Buzbee says the first accuser's story "certainly passes the smell test" and praised her as a brave and truthful person.

Earlier in the day, Deshaun's agent, David Mulugheta, broke his silence about the allegations against Watson -- doubling down on the notion the women are making up the accusations for "financial gain."

"Sexual assault is real. Victims should be heard, offenders prosecuted," Mulugheta said in a statement Friday morning.

"Individuals fabricate stories in pursuit of financial gain often. Their victims should be heard, and those offenders also prosecuted."

"I simply hope we keep this same energy with the truth."

In other words, Mulugheta strongly believes the accusers are lying and he's extremely confident Watson will be vindicated in the end.

TMZ Sports has obtained all 7 of the lawsuits filed against Watson -- and they're all very similar.

Each of the women claims Watson reached out seeking a massage -- most of the women claim he first contacted them on Instagram.

But, when they met for the massage therapy sessions, the women claim Watson became aggressive in pursuit of a sex act.

One of the women claims Watson forced her to perform oral sex on him, against her will.

All of the accusers say they never consented and felt violated. They're all suing for civil assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Buzbee claims he has text messages and DMs from the QB which back his client's allegations ... including an apparent apology from Deshaun after a massage session gone bad.

The first woman who filed her lawsuit against the Houston Texans QB claims Watson became aggressive during a treatment in March 2020 ... which ended after he allegedly repeatedly tried to direct the woman to massage his genitals.

In her suit, the woman claims a fully-erect Watson exposed his penis and "purposely touched [Jane Doe's] hand with the tip."

The woman claims she ended the massage immediately and began to cry. Afterward, she claims Watson sent her a text message apologizing for his behavior.

On Friday, Buzbee went public with the alleged apology text from Deshaun.

"Sorry about you feeling uncomfortable. Never were the intentions. LMK if you want to work in the future. My apologies."

For his part, Watson adamantly denies the allegations -- and claims he's the victim of a shakedown by an attorney looking to score a cash grab from his lying clients.