BEREA, Ohio – The Cleveland Browns group described their analysis and investigation into Deshaun Watson, together with allegations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct towards him, as “intensive” in a press release the group launched Sunday saying the commerce.
“We absolutely perceive and sympathize with the very private emotions expressed about this choice,” Jamie Woody De Haslam, proprietor of Brown, mentioned in a press release. “Our group’s total evaluation course of was of the utmost significance because of the delicate nature of their scenario and the complicated elements concerned. We additionally perceive that there are nonetheless some authorized processes occurring and we’ll respect due course of.
“It was pivotal for us to fulfill with Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefansky with Deshawn for a face-to-face dialog, talk about our priorities, and listen to from him firsthand about how he needs to sort out his profession on and off the sphere. He has been humble, sincere and forthright. In our conversations, Deshawn made clear his dedication to main Our group;He understands and embraces the arduous work wanted to construct his identify in each the group and the sphere….We’re assured in Deshaun and enthusiastic about him.Transferring ahead with him as our midfielder and supporting his real and decided efforts.”
On Friday, Brown Watson landed from Houston Texans. Cleveland traded its first-round picks for 2023, 2023 and 2024, in addition to different picks, within the deal. Brown additionally awarded Watson a brand new five-year, assured $230 million contract, probably the most assured quantity on a single contract in NFL historical past at $80 million.
Not like the Texans, who introduced the commerce shortly after it was accepted on Friday, Brown waited two days earlier than admitting it publicly.
“We’ve got performed intensive investigative, authorized and reference work over the previous a number of months to offer us with the suitable info wanted to make an knowledgeable choice about pursuing him and transferring ahead with him as a quarterback,” mentioned Andrew Perry, Browns basic supervisor. statment. “Deshaun has been among the many greatest on this place and understands the work required to re-establish himself on and off the sphere at Cleveland. We’re assured he’ll make constructive contributions to our group and group as we assist his return to soccer.”
The Brown household didn’t present particulars of their investigations and didn’t say whether or not they spoke or tried to talk to any of the 22 ladies who introduced civil lawsuits towards Watson accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct.
The NFL can droop Watson for a minimum of six video games via its Code of Conduct coverage for sexual assault violations. The league emphasised in a press release that any commerce “could have no influence on the NFL’s ongoing and complete investigation into the intense allegations towards Watson. If the league’s investigation determines that Watson violated the Private Conduct Coverage, self-discipline could also be imposed in accordance with this coverage.”
A supply within the league instructed ESPN, that as a part of Watson’s new deal, he’ll solely obtain $1 million of his 2023 base wage. Which means if he’s suspended by the NFL for violating the sexual assault code of conduct, he’ll lose lower than $60,000 every Misplaced sport.
Cleveland’s announcement of the commerce got here simply 9 days after a Texas grand jury refused to indict Watson on legal costs following a police investigation sparked by civil lawsuits. The allegations within the lawsuits ranged from touching the ladies together with his genitals to pressured oral intercourse. Eight of the ladies who sued Watson filed legal complaints towards him with Houston police and have been as a consequence of seem earlier than a grand jury.
Two different ladies, who didn’t sue Watson, additionally filed police complaints.
Al Brown met Watson in Houston final Tuesday, shortly after he answered questions beneath oath in civil claims affidavits.
On Thursday, Brown was knowledgeable that they have been not within the working for Watson. However by Friday, he had modified his thoughts and agreed to waive the no-trade clause to return to Cleveland.
“Our group has an amazing quantity of background info on Deshaun,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned in a press release. “We perceive the issues and questions that exist however are assured of the intensive work Andrew and his crew have performed to really feel assured about his becoming a member of our group. It was essential for us to fulfill with Deshaun in particular person as a part of our group evaluation course of, and we had a candid dialog concerning his strategy to becoming a member of our group and group I stay up for the chance to educate Deshaun, he’s prepared to place within the arduous work wanted to assist our group enhance and make a constructive influence on our group. Group.”
