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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson — who was suspended by the NFL for 11 games last season after he was accused of alleged sexual misconduct/assault by upwards of 20 women– believes that the “media narrative” contributed to his current situation and reputation.
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Watson said that “his story” has been “overshadowed” due to the “media directing and narrating.”
“Things that people don’t really get to hear about. Especially last year, it’s been the media directing and narrating something else. [My story] has been kind of overshadowed. I had an opportunity to tell that story in front of those guys,” Watson said.
Watson blames the media for the “narrative” of at least 25 women suing him for sexual harassment and abuse.
Zero remorse. So much for the league-mandated counseling, treatment and clinicians. pic.twitter.com/4lDNQZmBkZ
— Stephen Andress (@StephenAndress1) July 23, 2023
Watson, who was never indicted on any criminal charges, has settled with 23 of the 24 women who have filed civil cases against him out of court.
Despite the staggering and serial-offender-seeming number of allegations levied against him, the Cleveland Browns not only traded for Watson but then handed his a fully-guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract.
In the six games he did play in 2022 — which marked his first appearance in the NFL since 2020, having missed all of 2021 due to his legal situation, Watson looked remarkably average as he completed 58% of his passes for 1,102 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions en-route to a 3-3 record.
Needless to say, given the obvious lack of remorse or self-awareness in his comments, Watson got absolutely dragged by football fans on social media.
It’s so gross that this man gets the privilege of being an NFL franchise QB https://t.co/MR67nbZBx6
— Luke Sawhook 🪚🪝 (@lukesawhook) July 24, 2023
I've really never rooted for someone to fail so hard in my life. 🗑️ https://t.co/J3c3gmGftl
— Tank Polvogt (@NatePolvogt) July 23, 2023
Abusers like DeShaun Watson aka the Massage Monster try to paint themselves as victims when they're exposed. This is beyond disgusting 😷 https://t.co/aWo8L9pwuN
— SSJ2 Chills ❄️⚡️ (@ChillsforReal) July 23, 2023
Such a gross individual https://t.co/pm7T689WXp
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) July 24, 2023
Regardless of the public relations and morality nightmare that Watson is, the Browns remain committed to the 27-year-old as he heads into the 2023 season as their starting quarterback.
Watson and the Browns are set to kick off their 2023 season against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, September 10 at 1 p.m. EST.
Despite the massive PR hit that the Browns took on by acquiring Watson, the bookmakers don’t think it’s going to have all that much of a difference on the franchise’s fates as the Browns are currently projected to finish third in the AFC North behind the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens.