The NFL world welcomed Deshaun Watson back on Sunday, though “welcomed back” might not be exactly what happened regarding the Cleveland Browns quarterback who served an 11-game suspension related to accusations of sexual harassment and misconduct by over 20 women.
Watson’s first game back was on the road against the Houston Texans, his former team that traded him this past offseason following the allegations and legal fallout. Texans fans showered their former savior with boos before and during the game, not to mention letting him know what they thought of him in other ways as well.
Far from a full NRG Stadium, but they rained down boos on Deshaun Watson before his first snap. pic.twitter.com/4o2TEbOMH9
— Matt Young (@Chron_MattYoung) December 4, 2022
Watson had a pretty rough day on the field, completing just 12 of 22 passes for 131 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception. However, the Browns’ defense led the way in a 27-14 win.
After the game, the quarterback was asked about the incessant boos. His reactions? Well, that’s what they’re supposed to do.
#Browns Deshaun Watson on the boos he received in Houston: "They're supposed to boo. I'm a Cleveland Brown now."
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) December 4, 2022
“They’re supposed to boo,” said Watson. “I’m a Cleveland Brown now.”
That’s…true. But Watson is very clearly leaving out a lot of context in that rationale. That’s something he’s more than happy to do as he continues to minimize discussion around the allegations and his suspension, hoping that people will just move on. So far, that’s not the case.
