Deshaun Watson is dealing with double-digit lawsuits from women accusing the 25-year-old of sexual harassment as well as sexual assault.
The Houston Texans QB has only publicly denied the first allegation, likely not knowing he would be seeing as many as 14 come forward in the following days since his statement.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith addressed the issue, stressing the need for patience as facts are gathered in the cases.
“The NFL saying we’re investigating the matter is not good enough, but you certainly don’t want to convict him in court of public opinion when criminal charges have not been field,” Smith said. “If he gets put on the commissioner’s exempt list, chances are the Houston Texans would still have to pay his $10 million salary for next season.
“Houston would have the license to cut him. I don’t support that. Until you prove he’s guilty, don’t take the money out of his pocket. Taking him off the field is one thing. He has not been found guilty of anything.”
Dabo Swinney, Watson’s coach at Clemson, has since spoken out about the situation:
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“In three years that he was here, I think I had a chance to yell at him one time,” Swinney said. “He was five minutes late for a team meeting he overslept for one time. That’s the Deshaun I know. I can only base my thoughts on my experiences with him, which have been wonderful. Again, I love him like a son, and we’ll just have to see where things go.”
