BEREA, Ohio. The Cleveland Browns called their investigation and investigation into Deshawn Watson, including allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment against him, “extensive” in a statement released by the team on Sunday announcing the deal.
“We are fully aware and sympathetic to the highly personal feelings expressed about this decision,” Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam said in a statement. “The comprehensive assessment process by our team was paramount due to the sensitive nature of his situation and complex factors. We also understand that some legal proceedings are still pending and we will follow due process.
“It is very important that we, along with Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefansky, sat down with Deshawn to have a direct dialogue, discuss our priorities and hear from him how he wants to approach his career on and off the field. He was humble. , sincerely and frankly. In our conversations, Deshawn detailed his commitment to leading our team; he understands and accepts the hard work required to build his name both in the community and on the field. … We have confidence in Deshawn and are excited to move forward with him as our quarterback and support his sincere and determined efforts.”
On Friday, the Browns dropped off Watson from the Houston Texans. Cleveland traded their 2022, 2023, and 2024 first-round picks, as well as two other picks, as part of the deal. The Browns also signed Watson to a new five-year, $230 million guaranteed contract, the most guaranteed $80 million single contract in NFL history.
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Unlike the Texans, who announced the deal shortly after it was agreed on Friday, the Browns waited two days before publicly acknowledging it.
“Over the past few months, we’ve done extensive investigative, legal and referral work to provide us with the relevant information we need to make an informed decision about pursuing him and continuing to work with him as our quarterback,” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said in a statement. statement. “Deshawn has been one of the best in the position and he understands the work to rebuild himself on and off the field in Cleveland. We are confident that he will make a positive contribution to our team and community as we support his return to football.”
The Browns did not give details of their investigation, nor did they say if they spoke or attempted to speak to any of the 22 women who filed civil lawsuits against Watson and accused him of sexual harassment and sexual harassment.
The NFL could suspend Watson for at least six games under its code of conduct for sexual assault violations. The league reaffirmed in a statement that any deal “would not affect the NFL’s ongoing comprehensive investigation into serious allegations against Watson. If a league investigation determines that Watson violated the policy of personal conduct, disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with the policy.”
However, a league source told ESPN that Watson’s new deal would see his base salary in 2022 be just $1 million. will lose less than $60,000 for each lost game.
Cleveland’s announcement of the deal came just nine days after a Texas grand jury refused to indict Watson following a police investigation sparked by civil lawsuits. Charges in the lawsuits ranged from touching women with their genitals to forcing them to perform oral sex. The eight women who sued Watson filed criminal complaints against him with the Houston police and were due to appear before a grand jury.
Two other women who did not sue Watson also filed complaints with the police.
The Browns met with Watson in Houston on Tuesday, shortly after he answered questions under oath in deposition related to the civil lawsuits.
On Thursday, the Browns were told they were no longer running for Watson. But by Friday, he changed his mind and agreed to waive the no-trade clause in order to come to Cleveland.
“Our organization has collected a huge amount of information about Deshawn,” Browns coach Kevin Stefansky said in a statement. “We understand the concerns and concerns, but we are confident that Andrew and his staff have done a great job in making sure he is joining our organization. It was important for us to meet Deshawn in person as part of our team evaluation process, we had a candid conversation about his approach to joining our organization and community I look forward to coaching Deshawn, he is willing to put in the hard work needed to help our team improve and have a positive impact on our community.”