Multiple NFL teams were willing enough to turn a blind eye to the pending litigation against Deshaun Watson, but the Cleveland Browns’ willingness extended beyond anyone else’s.
Watson, though he won’t be charged criminally, has 22 civil cases against him for sexual misconduct, which he has denied. Though he could face a suspension from the NFL, the Browns nevertheless traded for him – landing the quarterback because they were willing to give him a record-breaking contract extension.
Although there were plenty of teams who took a shot at convincing Watson to waive his no-trade clause to join them, there also were some that didn’t. And NBC Sports’ Peter King explained Monday on the “Rich Eisen Show” that the Browns aren’t necessarily the most-well liked people at the owners meetings this week.
“I think everybody is going to be cordial to the Haslems because they’re cordial people,” King started. “But I think that there are a lot of owners and a lot of club people who think that it’s gross to pay a guy the biggest contract in NFL history when he has 22 civil cases of sexual impropriety hanging over his head. …
“There is not a soul in the world who can tell anybody this is all going to turn out roses. This is a risky play by the Haslems and by the Cleveland Browns and we’ll see how it goes. I just think there’s a lot of people in the league who object, who think that it’s amoral to have done this.”
At a certain point, teams are making their own definitions of what is and is not gross because the line is probably different for everyone. How much more moral high ground does a team like the Panthers, Saints or Falcons have if they pursued Watson but backed out when they heard his contract demands?
Overall, enough teams stayed out of the Watson pursuit to suggest that there are some owners genuinely appalled by the Browns’ decision-making. Whether Cleveland fans are willing to be more forgiving remains to be seen.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram