Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson spoke to the media for the first time since returning from suspension, but he was only answering football-related questions.
Cleveland Browns quarterback DeShawn Watson has been suspended for 11 games this season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, stemming from civil claims of sexual assault and misconduct alleged by more than two dozen women. Even with an 11-game suspension, Watson needed to meet the return requirements. He did and is now set to have his first season with the Browns this Sunday, as they take on his former team the Houston Texans.
On Thursday, Watson spoke to the media for the first time since returning from suspension. But at the press conference, Watson only answered football-related questions, citing medical and legal reasons.
Watson said, “I understand you have a lot of questions, h/t Jake Trotter from ESPN. “But with my legal team and my medical team, there are only football questions I can really tackle at this time.”
Deshaun Watson deflects questions about suspension and treatment
The Browns received a lot of backlash over trading Watson and offering him a five-year, $230 million contract. That deal was all but guaranteed, which added to the backlash, especially when considering the allegations and lawsuits he faced.
Prior to his suspension, Watson denied any wrongdoing when asked about the civil lawsuits he faced from several massage therapists, claiming he never attacked anyone.
At the time of his suspension being announced, ESPN senior NFL senior Adam Schefter stated that he needed to “comply with evaluation and treatment recommendations from an outside behavior expert” to return from suspension. Watson also paid a $5 million fine.
Watson has Two remaining civil lawsuitswhere 23 of them settled earlier this year.
In his absence, the Browns had Jacoby Brissett as the starting quarterback. Brissett led the team to a 4-7 record, including a Week 12 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now, he will return to the bench for Watson, who is returning from suspension to face his former team.
Those who have been looking for more answers from Watson regarding his suspension will likely not be happy that he only answered football-related questions.
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