Roger Goodell and Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. Roger Goodell and Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
NFLBy DJ Byrnes on

The Cleveland Browns defeated the New York Jets, 21-16, in the NFL’s annual Hall of Fame Game on Thursday night in Canton, Ohio.

The biggest news, however, may have come off the field.

During a pregame reception, cleveland.com reporter Hayden Grove caught NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sharing a warm embrace with controversial Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who did not play in the game.

Watson infamously missed 11 games at the start of the 2022 season while he served a suspension for gross sexual misconduct after he settled out of court with more than two dozen massage therapists who accused him of disgusting behavior during appointments he privately booked through Instagram.

One accuser has yet to settle with Watson as the case continues to play out in civil court.

Goodell had previously called Watson’s behavior “predatory” and “egregious,” but that appears to be behind them after Watson served his suspension. The commissioner was seen embracing Watson and patting him on the stomach nearly 15 times during the short exchange.

The NFL world was quick to react of the bizarre incident:

The Browns open their season on Sept. 10th at home against the Cincinnati Bengals, an AFC North opponent. Watson will have to regain his form from the 2020 season if the Browns have any hope of beating last year’s dismal 7-10 record.

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