CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Quarterback introductions are typically a joyous occasion.
Especially for the Browns, who’ve had plenty of practice at it the last 23 years, but Friday’s for Deshaun Watson was unlike any other they’ve had before. In case you’re keeping track, Watson will be starter No. 33 – assuming the NFL doesn’t step in and suspend him and then in that case he’s No.
34 – since 1999.
Inside the Dino Lucarelli Media Center, it was as dreary as the cold rain falling outside.
Until Watson stood between head coach Kevin Stefanski and executive vice president of football operations Andrew Berry while holding up his new No.
4 Browns jersey with his name sewn neatly on the back for cameras to capture, the smiles were few and far between.
Difficult questions had to be asked and the answers that followed carried the serious tone required in the moment.
An electric, three-time Pro Bowl, MVP-caliber quarterback, the focus was on everything but football, which is not how these things are supposed to go. A total of 37 of the 46 questions asked of Watson, Berry and Stefanski were related to allegations made by at least 23 different women in some form.
The Browns made it clear they believe Watson and they believe in Watson.
As for the allegations, and the women that have made them, the Browns made their position clear there too.
Watson showed no contrition or regret Friday.
He made it clear he feels there is no need for him to.
Watson also doesn’t feel any type of counseling is required because he doesn’t have a problem but it did sound like he may consider some behavior changes in the number of masseuses he seeks out in the future for treatment, so there’s that to feel good about.
Sports are supposed to unite us all. The acquisition of Watson has driven a wedge between Browns fans. While some are already counting potential Super Bowls, others are counting alleged victims.
Luckily for Dee and Jimmy Haslam, acquiring Watson isn’t doing much damage to the business of the Browns. They reported that season ticket renewals are outpacing cancellations by a comfortable margin, so nothing to worry about there.
The business of football always wins. Always.
It did here.
Until these allegations are resolved, Watson will remain in the news – and not the good kind – and the Browns’ brand will be drug through the mud right behind him. “Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, accused of...” has quite the ring to it and surely will be great for business and the brand.
When it’s all said and done it could turn out that it was Watson’s good name that was drug through the mud. The legal process has to play out.
The NFL will give us a clue once they decide whether he has violated the league’s personal conduct policy. A fine and or suspension would steer the court of public opinion towards believing the alleged victims. No discipline would strongly validate Watson’s assertion of innocence.
But even Watson acknowledged the damage has already been done and he has a long road ahead to restore his reputation.
The Browns rolled the dice on Watson and everybody in charge from the Haslams on down to Berry and Stefanski put their reputations on the line along with six draft picks and $230 million.
They better be right.
God help them if they are wrong.
At some point, hopefully we’ll all get to smile and talk about football. That would be fun because Watson really is a great football player, which is why the Browns gave up what they did to get him.
Friday just wasn’t the day or occasion it was supposed to be.