editor‘note: This story contains reports of sexual abuse. If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or at https://www.rainn.org.
On Friday, the Browns trade for Deshawn Watson was met with widespread backlash as the quarterback still faces 22 active civil lawsuits that describe graphic reports of sexual harassment and assault.
But since his deal, the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center has received more than a thousand donations as of Saturday night. The Texans traded Watson and a 2024 fifth-round pick for the 22nd pick in the first and third rounds, the 23rd pick in the first and third rounds, and the 24th pick in the first and fourth rounds.
The agency released a statement in response to the deal on Saturday, saying, in part: “We understand that the story of Deshawn Watson joining the Cleveland Browns is a concern for too many of our friends and neighbors. For those who need extra support, know that the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center is available to you. 24/7/365.
“We say to the community: we see you. We hear your outrage. We feel it too. Every click. Every post and every tweet. Every donation sends a clear message.”
The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center also included resources “for anyone who wants to join the fight against sexual assault,” adding, “Together we can build a healthy, safe, and strong community.”
Watson hasn’t taken pictures since January 2021, but he was still paid $10.5 million for the 2021 season. A grand jury recently ruled nine “no” bills in nine criminal complaints against a 26-year-old man, and the prosecutor said the criminal case against him in Harris County is now complete.
“I will just continue to fight to restore my name and reputation in society,” Watson said in a public speech after hearing the grand jury’s decision. “And on the legal side, we will handle what we need to do. But also ready to go on the field and prepare for it.”
Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, said in a statement following the announcement, “Now that the criminal investigation is complete, we are pleased to proceed with our civil testimony. We will vigorously defend these causes with every ounce we have.”
Civil testimony is ongoing, and it began on the same day that the grand jury was convened. The quarterback reportedly invoked the Fifth Amendment during his first two depositions, but he reportedly answered questions under oath a few days after the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.
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These civil cases are not related to the grand jury trial that took place on March 11. As the civil trial continues, here’s what’s happened on and off the pitch since Watson’s last picture.
The deal came after Cleveland met with Watson on Tuesday but was told on Thursday that it was not working.
According to ESPN, his new contract will be a five-year, $230 million deal with a full guarantee. Adam Shefter. He will set a new record for the largest guaranteed contract in league history. However, there is one addition to the contract that may have been added due to the ongoing NFL investigation.
A source told Sports Illustrated.Albert Breer stated that under the new deal with Watson, he would only lose $55,556 for each suspended game. In comparison, the quarterback’s contract with Houston lost $1.94 million for every game he missed by suspension.
That’s because his base salary is only $1 million in 2022, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
NFL Representative Brian McCarthy said in a statement To Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network that the investigation is still ongoing.
“Any transaction will not affect the NFL’s ongoing full investigation into the serious allegations against Deshawn Watson. It will also not affect his status under the Collective Agreement and the Policy of Conduct.
“If a league investigation determines that Watson violated the Personal Conduct Policy, disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with the policy and the CBA.”
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