The Cleveland Browns have taken a huge PR hit this offseason after they not only traded for Deshaun Watson, but gave him a fully guaranteed $230M contract after a grand jury elected to not pursue criminal charges over his multiple sexual allegations.
Things have only gotten worse with two more allegations coming against him. And a since-released New York Times piece revealed that he received massages from 66 different women in a 17-month period.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns appear unmoved by the latest allegations. Per the report, they are “still all in on Deshaun Watson despite new civil suits and allegations.”
The report also added that the Browns are not looking to void his fully guaranteed, $230 million contract. The Browns structured the contract with Watson to mitigate any financial risks if “actions take place after it was signed, or actions from beforehand come to light that would prevent him from fulfilling his duties.”
The Browns seem all-in on Deshaun Watson, which is not surprising, given everything they had to give up in order to obtain him. The Browns gave up six draft picks, including three first-round picks, to acquire Watson and a sixth-round pick earlier this offseason.
Some 24 women — including two new ones in the past eight days — are suing him for sexual assault. We are also still awaiting the NFL’s conclusion to their investigation, which will likely result in a lengthy suspension.
