Wilson was interviewed by Boston radio station WEEI on March 19, just three days after Watson’s initial statement on the first lawsuit filed against him. At the time of the interview, there were 12 lawsuits against Watson (there are now 22). In the interview, Wilson used the term “money grab” when describing the lawsuits. He also referred to the women accusing Watson of sexual misconduct as “terrorists.”
Wilson also said he was “skeptical” about the claims being made by the accusers.
MORE: What to know about the lawsuits against Deshaun Watson
Wilson was defensive of Watson throughout the interview, to the point radio hosts asked Wilson whether he was “pro-Watson” in this case.
You know, people are demanding money, they’re asking for money … it kept escalating. It kept going up and up and up. And you start talking about more and more funds. I’m not gonna say how much it got to, but my understanding is, you know, that there was an admission that, it was, you know, something, you know, just that this was, you know, just a money grab."
“I’m not saying I’m not,” Wilson said. “I’m telling you I don’t know them. I know him. I’m not gonna throw this guy under the bus before I have some proof. I don’t feel like I have the proof. They’re allegations.”
A day after Defector Media reported Wilson lost his job, the reporter issued an apology, via his Twitter account.
“I made a mistake that I fully understand and own when I did not choose my words nearly carefully enough during a discussion on a March 19 radio program regarding the sensitive, complex and controversial Deshaun Watson legal situation, in the days following the initial filing of the civil lawsuits from women against him,” Wilson’s statement reads, in part.
According to Defector Media, the Houston Chronicle held a staff meeting on Friday where editor Reid Laymance announced Wilson was no longer working there. Although Wilson was not mentioned by name, Chronicle executive editor Steve Riley reportedly sent a memo to the newsroom regarding how to handle Watson’s legal situation.
The memo, via Defector Media:
The memo also pointed out that all staff were required to receive permission from a supervisor before making a media appearance elsewhere.
