I’m a massage therapist. I know how chilling it is to be alone with an inappropriate man. - The Boston Globe

[massage]

Touching people for a living is inherently complex. It’s unfortunate, although predictable, that much of the public still conflates massage therapy with sex work. Licensed massage therapists have gone to accredited schools, studied anatomy and physiology, and are required to pass ethics classes. I’ve been practicing massage for over 25 years in the Boston area and have often experienced sexually inappropriate behavior from clients. Let me be clear: The moment you feel unsafe while giving a massage is chilling.

Instantly something doesn’t feel right. You notice your client’s different breathing patterns or that he is moving the sheet higher toward his groin, exposing himself, or touching your body. Thoughts flood your mind. You question yourself and wonder if you might be misinterpreting the situation. You feel simultaneously frightened, angry, and numb. Therapists are trained to end the massage and leave the room in such a situation, but this is hard to do, especially with a prominent professional athlete behind a closed door with no witnesses. Not only is our safety threatened, but our jobs are at risk too.


Advertisement

---

---

That’s why the 24 women who came forward to report Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for allegations of sexual harassment and assault deserve more support than they’ve been accorded by the NFL, the Houston Texans — and football fans. While Watson continues to deny all of the women’s charges, he has accepted the 11-game suspension and $5 million fine as part of a settlement with the NFL and its players association in order to move forward with his life and career. He is also to undergo evaluation by behavioral experts, participate in a treatment program, and, paradoxically, can continue receiving massages from club-approved therapists throughout the remainder of his career.


Get Weekend Reads from Ideas

A weekly newsletter from the Boston Globe Ideas section, forged at the intersection of 'what if' and 'why not.'


Soft-tissue treatment is imperative for professional athletes to stay healthy, and most teams hire therapists to work at their training facilities. It’s also common for pros to have a few other providers who they see regularly outside of the team’s training venues. The fact that all of the women who accused Watson of sexual assault and misconduct are massage therapists has been greatly undervalued and overlooked.


Advertisement

---

---

Ashley Solis, the first therapist to reveal her identity, said in an HBO interview that Watson told her not to be afraid when he exposed himself and placed her hand on his genitals. According to Solis, Watson then said, “I know you have a career to protect, and I know you don’t want anyone messing with it, just like I don’t want anyone messing with mine.”

Consistent throughout the allegations is Watson’s request for groin work and insistence on being draped by only a small hand or “Gatorade” towel that he brought with him. The Texans provided Watson with a membership to a hotel where some of the massages took place as well as a nondisclosure agreement. One therapist who also filed suit against the Texans claims Watson ejaculated on her and then asked to schedule another appointment that afternoon. Watson has so far settled with 23 of the 24 women.

Athletes at Watson’s level decidedly know the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behavior in a treatment room and understand the benefits of getting regular soft-tissue therapy. Watson booked at least 66 massage appointments, all with women, within 17 months. This is a predator’s way of disguising his behavior: Using professional massage therapists when, as a professional athlete, he knows the difference between sex work and massage therapy.


Advertisement

---

---

Perhaps divinely timed, the 2022 American Massage Therapy Association National Convention begins on Aug. 25 at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, right down the street from the Browns’ stadium. Therapists from all over the country will be discussing the Watson case and how to go forward from here. Even though the agreed-upon penalties are among the most severe in league history, missing only 11 games is simply not enough for 24 charges of sexual misconduct. Watson will return to play in the fall and if he wins, most fans will probably forget about the accusations of sexual misconduct made by 24 women massage therapists.

There is, however, an opportunity for some real progress next week in Cleveland. A member from the Browns’ owners, management, or even some players could — and should — walk down the street to the AMTA convention to express support and respect for the professional massage therapists needed in today’s sports. They should reassure our profession that we are valued employees of the teams and that the NFL will protect the safety and integrity of massage therapists and all women associated with the NFL — while convening a study into appropriate responses — and punishments — for substantiated allegations.

As someone who has been alone in a room with a powerful man, similar to those 24 massage therapists, it’s clear an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine for a player whose guaranteed contract is worth $230 million isn’t a punishment at all.


Advertisement

---

---

Katie Adams is a massage therapist and educator practicing in Wellesley.

 

[superdick]

Touching people for a living is inherently complex. It’s unfortunate, although predictable, that much of the public still conflates massage therapy with sex work. Licensed massage therapists have gone to accredited schools, studied anatomy and physiology, and are required to pass ethics classes. I’ve been practicing massage for over 25 years in the Boston area and have often experienced sexually inappropriate behavior from clients. Let me be clear: The moment you feel unsafe while giving a massage is chilling.

Instantly something doesn’t feel right. You notice your client’s different breathing patterns or that he is moving the sheet higher toward his groin, exposing himself, or touching your body. Thoughts flood your mind. You question yourself and wonder if you might be misinterpreting the situation. You feel simultaneously frightened, angry, and numb. Therapists are trained to end the massage and leave the room in such a situation, but this is hard to do, especially with a prominent professional athlete behind a closed door with no witnesses. Not only is our safety threatened, but our jobs are at risk too.


Advertisement

---

---

That’s why the 24 women who came forward to report Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for allegations of sexual harassment and assault deserve more support than they’ve been accorded by the NFL, the Houston Texans — and football fans. While Watson continues to deny all of the women’s charges, he has accepted the 11-game suspension and $5 million fine as part of a settlement with the NFL and its players association in order to move forward with his life and career. He is also to undergo evaluation by behavioral experts, participate in a treatment program, and, paradoxically, can continue receiving massages from club-approved therapists throughout the remainder of his career.


Get Weekend Reads from Ideas

A weekly newsletter from the Boston Globe Ideas section, forged at the intersection of 'what if' and 'why not.'


Soft-tissue treatment is imperative for professional athletes to stay healthy, and most teams hire therapists to work at their training facilities. It’s also common for pros to have a few other providers who they see regularly outside of the team’s training venues. The fact that all of the women who accused Watson of sexual assault and misconduct are massage therapists has been greatly undervalued and overlooked.


Advertisement

---

---

Ashley Solis, the first therapist to reveal her identity, said in an HBO interview that Watson told her not to be afraid when he exposed himself and placed her hand on his genitals. According to Solis, Watson then said, “I know you have a career to protect, and I know you don’t want anyone messing with it, just like I don’t want anyone messing with mine.”

Consistent throughout the allegations is Watson’s request for groin work and insistence on being draped by only a small hand or “Gatorade” towel that he brought with him. The Texans provided Watson with a membership to a hotel where some of the massages took place as well as a nondisclosure agreement. One therapist who also filed suit against the Texans claims Watson ejaculated on her and then asked to schedule another appointment that afternoon. Watson has so far settled with 23 of the 24 women.

Athletes at Watson’s level decidedly know the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behavior in a treatment room and understand the benefits of getting regular soft-tissue therapy. Watson booked at least 66 massage appointments, all with women, within 17 months. This is a predator’s way of disguising his behavior: Using professional massage therapists when, as a professional athlete, he knows the difference between sex work and massage therapy.


Advertisement

---

---

Perhaps divinely timed, the 2022 American Massage Therapy Association National Convention begins on Aug. 25 at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, right down the street from the Browns’ stadium. Therapists from all over the country will be discussing the Watson case and how to go forward from here. Even though the agreed-upon penalties are among the most severe in league history, missing only 11 games is simply not enough for 24 charges of sexual misconduct. Watson will return to play in the fall and if he wins, most fans will probably forget about the accusations of sexual misconduct made by 24 women massage therapists.

There is, however, an opportunity for some real progress next week in Cleveland. A member from the Browns’ owners, management, or even some players could — and should — walk down the street to the AMTA convention to express support and respect for the professional massage therapists needed in today’s sports. They should reassure our profession that we are valued employees of the teams and that the NFL will protect the safety and integrity of massage therapists and all women associated with the NFL — while convening a study into appropriate responses — and punishments — for substantiated allegations.

As someone who has been alone in a room with a powerful man, similar to those 24 massage therapists, it’s clear an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine for a player whose guaranteed contract is worth $230 million isn’t a punishment at all.


Advertisement

---

---

Katie Adams is a massage therapist and educator practicing in Wellesley.

I think your posting of this thread is insightful, informative, and hopefully educational to both certified masseuses and their prospective clients.
In regards to what Mr Watson has been found guilty ? of. The punishment should fit the crime and not his bank account per se. There is and should be compensatory damages awards to the masseuses based on pain and suffering, etc
To think that $5 million dollars and an 11 game suspension is not enough is bordering on vindictiveness. That is still a chunk of change. There also will be unseen punishment that will be meted out in the present and future whether or not he transgresses again.

It should be noted that there are masseuses who have contravened their code of professional conduct so that they could be compensated by these "high powered" athletes". There is no greater temptation to an athlete than that of
the "P". No doubt they fell entitled and all powerful. But It has been our downfall since Adam and Eve. The picking of the forbidden fruit.
It also cannot be denied that there are few women of all distinction who would have and have used the "P" for monetary gains. I am not defending Mr Watson but "24 masseuses-all women ?". Begs the question how many may have jumped on the bandwagon
given the opportunity.

I have enjoy both "sex massage" (combination of massage and extras) as well as RMTs.
I have total respect for both professionals. Never had an issue with my RMTs or them with me.
But I do know there are some RMTs who will do a little extra if they like the client and are compensated accordingly.
My points are :
1. Mr Watson has owned up to his transgressions and he is paying what is deemed just. Let the punishment fit the crime and not his bank account.
2. Let us not pretend that this is one sided. Some of these so-called victims might have been complicit and agreeable. As powerful as you think the athlete, is the "P" can be more than a match. The bigger they are the harder they fall.
and that is applicable to all men and women in powerful positions.

SAMSON AND DELILAH is another biblical reference.

 

[malodrax]

didn't read. don't care. women whine too much,