Deshaun Watson is officially on the Cleveland Browns.
Despite allegations of sexual misconduct towards the star participant, the team introduced on Sunday that Watson had officially signed with the Browns and could be their new quarterback following a commerce with the Houston Texans.
In a assertion, the Browns’ house owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam acknowledged the blended emotions followers had about signing Watson, however expressed their confidence of their choice.
“We are acutely aware and empathetic to the highly personal sentiments expressed about this decision,” the Haslams mentioned within the assertion. “Our team’s comprehensive evaluation process was of the utmost importance due to the sensitive nature of his situation and the complex factors involved.”
Before signing with the Browns, Watson had been accused of sexual misconduct by almost two dozen girls whereas in Houston.
Watson has denied any wrongdoing, and his lawyer final week mentioned he “did not commit any crimes and is not guilty of any offenses.”
A Texas grand jury earlier this month declined to indict and criminally cost Watson.
However, though Watson won’t be criminally charged, he’s nonetheless dealing with civil lawsuits from the ladies — therapeutic massage therapists who accused him of assault and harassment. He’s additionally presumably dealing with a suspension by the NFL for violating the league’s private conduct coverage.
The commerce won’t have an effect on the league’s inquiry into Watson.
The commerce to the Browns shocked followers and specialists alike after Watson initially rejected the transfer. But on Friday, Watson waived his no-trade clause and accepted a commerce to the Browns.
His place as beginning quarterback in Cleveland will make Watson the highest-paid participant within the NFL, in accordance with The Associated Press. The assured contract is price $230 million over 5 years.
Ahead of the official announcement that the commerce had occurred, Watson posted an image of himself to Instagram carrying a Browns’ jersey.
“Cleveland, LETSSSS GOOOO!! #DawgPound Ready To Work!” he wrote on Instagram.
Representatives for Watson didn’t instantly return a request for remark concerning the signing made by NBC News.
Browns’ head coach Kevin Stefanski echoed the Haslams, saying that whereas he understands the considerations some might need about Watson, he has confidence within the quarterback.
“It was important for us to meet with Deshaun in person as part of our team’s evaluation process, we had a candid conversation regarding his approach to coming into our organization and community,” Stefanski mentioned in a assertion.
Stefanski added that he’s wanting ahead to teaching Watson and believes he’ll assist the team enhance whereas additionally offering a optimistic impression on the neighborhood.
Cleveland Browns General Manager Andrew Berry mentioned he additionally believes Watson will likely be a optimistic addition to the team and neighborhood. In a assertion, Berry mentioned that the team did intensive “investigative, legal and reference work over the last several months” earlier than bringing Watson on to the team.
“Deshaun has been among the very best at the position and he understands the work needed to re-establish himself on and off the field in Cleveland,” Berry mentioned.
However, not everybody appeared prepared to present Watson the good thing about the doubt.
After the announcement that the commerce had been made official, the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center launched a press release acknowledging how troublesome the news could be for some.
“We perceive the story surrounding DeShaun Watson becoming a member of the Cleveland Browns team is triggering for much too a lot of our associates and neighbors. For those that want further help, please know Cleveland Rape Crisis Center is obtainable to you 24/7/365,” the statement reads.
The statement goes on to say: “To the neighborhood we are saying, we see you. We hear your outrage. We really feel it too. Every click on. Every submit and each tweet. Every donation sends a transparent message.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. The hotline, run by the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), can put you in contact with your local rape crisis center. You can also access RAINN’s online chat service at https://www.rainn.org/get-help.
The Associated Press contributed.
