Houston star Watson facing 16 sex lawsuits

The number of lawsuits filed by women alleging sexual misconduct by Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson rose to 16 on Tuesday as a lawyer for the NFL star hit back at the legal onslaught.

After a 14th civil case against Watson was filed on Monday, two more cases alleging similar misconduct were filed in Texas on Tuesday.

Watson, 25, has been accused by multiple female masseuses of sexual misconduct during therapy sessions he had booked privately.

Allegations against Watson include forcing a masseuse to perform a sex act and touching others with his genitals.

The Texans superstar, who is regarded as one of the best quarterback in the NFL, has strongly denied wrongdoing. A lawyer for Watson's alleged victims said last week more than 22 women had come forward with allegations against the player, which are the subject of an investigation by the NFL.