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 in fully guaranteed money to acquire him from Houston, was steadfast in denying any wrongdoing alleged by at least 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. “That’s not how I was raised. I’ve never done these things people are alleging.”
The civil complaints outline a very specific and disturbing pattern of behavior that is alleged against Watson, but two grand juries declined to indict Watson on any criminal charges stemming from criminal complaints that were filed against him.
Watson, citing the ongoing legal process as well as influence of social media, also offered no explanation as to why he required and used so many therapists.
In addition to his steadfast denials, Watson was unapologetic about the situation which became public a year ago.
"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 the move to acquire Watson.
In the end, everyone signed off of the trade.
“We put more time, more thought, more effort, talked to more people, did more research on this decision – by far – than any other decision we've made with the Cleveland Browns,” Jimmy Haslam said on a Zoom call. “It's not something we took lightly.”
The Haslams, who were unable to be in Berea due to a previous engagement out of the country, spoke with their daughters, other family members and a counselor extensively about the potential move before everyone signed off.
“This has been a really hard and difficult journey for us and our family,” Dee Haslam said. “We had to work really hard to get comfortable with the decision. It took some time.”
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.”
Berry and the Browns would not be deterred by the backlash.
“We totally respect and we totally empathize with those sentiments right now and totally understand that there are people who are not comfortable with the transaction right now,” Berry said. "But again, we followed our information, we feel good about Deshaun as a person, and we think that he is going to do a lot of positive in the community.”
Watson brushed off a question about if he would seek counseling.
“I don’t have a problem,” Watson said. “I don’t have an issue and that’s what I’ve been saying from the beginning.”
The NFL may disagree.
Watson is being investigated by the league for violating the personal conduct policy and he could be suspended.
Fair or not, Watson, and now the Browns, are tied to these allegations in what continues to be a constant news cycle.
“I know that there’s going to be a stain that probably is going to stick with me for awhile,” Watson said. “But all I can do is keep moving forward and to continue to show the person that I am, the true character, the true person, the true human being I am.”