BEREA, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Deshaun Watson has come to Cleveland seeking a fresh start.
His past may be inescapable.
The new Browns franchise quarterback, whom the team invested six draft picks and $230 million fully guaranteed to acquire him from Houston, was steadfast in denying any wrongdoing alleged by 22 women who have accused him of sexual assault, misconduct or harassment during massage therapy appointments.
“I’ve never assaulted or disrespected or harassed any woman in my life,” Watson said.
Two grand juries declined to indict Watson on any criminal charges stemming from criminal complaints that were filed against him.
In addition to his steadfast denials, Watson was unapologetic about the situation.
"I don’t have any regrets,” Watson said. “The things that are off the field right now that came up caught me by surprise because I never did anything that these people are alleging."
Browns executive vice president of football operations and general manger Andrew Berry put his reputation and career with the Browns on the line by making this move.
Berry said the team used “independent investigative resources that were unbiased” during their “five month odyssey” into researching Watson and the multitude of allegations levied against him.
Berry explained that the Browns did not speak to any of the alleged victims on the advice of their legal council as to not impede any criminal investigations into Watson.
The acquisition of Watson has divided the Browns’ long-suffering, yet loyal fanbase. While man fans are elated at the addition of Watson, a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback who led the NFL in passing in 2020, others are just as outraged.
“We as organization know that this transaction has been very difficult for many people, particularly women in our community,” Berry said. “We realize that it has triggered a range of emotions. And that, as well as the nature of the allegations, weighed heavily on all of us.”