One of the biggest topics this offseason has been the ongoing civil lawsuits and the NFL’s impending decision on Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Watson is now facing 26 civil lawsuits after two more women reportedly decided to file against the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback on Monday night, according to KPRC 2 in Houston.
Watson attempted to clear up the situation as best he could during a press conference on Tuesday. The quarterback was asked about a number of different aspects of his case, one of them being a conflicting report that has emerged.
The New York Times reported last week that Watson had scheduled appointments with 66 different massage therapists over a 17-month time span, which is different than claims by Watson that it was only 40 different massage therapists.
When asked if the report of 66 women was accurate, Watson responded by saying “I don’t think so” and that the question was an answer for his lawyer.
The NYT recently reported that Watson booked massage appointments with 66 different women over a 17-month span. Watson, on whether that number seemed right to him: #Browns pic.twitter.com/HYkUSlc7cC
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) June 14, 2022
Here's Deshaun Watson being asked if the NY Times report of at least 66 different massage therapists in a 17-month period is accurate.
His answer:
(via @Browns)pic.twitter.com/cjBkAEsI8E
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 14, 2022
That’s not exactly the most confident response, and many NFL fans saw his answer as suspect, to say the least.
…….how wouldn't you know? Where would the number come from? https://t.co/BCXejKE9Cn
— Rob. INFP-A (@BarackOMamba) June 14, 2022
You don't think so? 🤨 https://t.co/mW7UuRKgLd
— LeBeau (@GeauxRemy) June 14, 2022
While he apparently didn’t know how many massage therapists he has visited, he has reiterated his previous claim that he has done nothing wrong in those meetings and that he is “just trying to clear his name.”
“I’ve been honest and I’ve been truthful,” said Watson. “I’ve never forced anyone or assaulted anyone. I understand these allegations are very serious. I’m focused on clearing my name.”
#Browns QB Deshaun Watson is talking to reporters now: "I've been honest and I've been truthful. I never forced anyone or assaulted anyone. … I understand these allegations are very serious … I'm focused on clearing my name."
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 14, 2022
It doesn’t seem that many around the NFL world are buying that response.
It's very clear to me that Deshaun Watson is equating criminal/legal decisions with innocence. I can only hope the NFL doesn't do the same.
— Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV) June 14, 2022
The questions being asked to Deshaun Watson are…suspect. How he's holding up emotionally? Tell me you're joking.
— Regina Ham (@regina_ham) June 14, 2022
the Browns reeeeeally did not need to put Deshaun Watson in front of a microphone today
they also didn't need to trade for him, or give him $230 million guaranteed, but I digress
— Jeremy Layton (@JeremyLayt0n) June 14, 2022
Watson was also asked about a possible suspension coming from the NFL, saying that it is out of his control at this point.
“I can’t control that, I met with the NFL,” said Watson. “Did everything they asked me to do and answered every question truthfully. That’s all I can do, to be honest. They have to make a decision that’s best for the league.”
QB Deshaun Watson asked if he's concerned about possible suspension:
"I can't control that-I met with the NFL. Did everything they asked me to do & answered every question truthfully. That's all I can do, be honest.. They have to make a decision that's best for the league.." pic.twitter.com/t0NmGdZ3lc
— Tyler Milner (@tmilrealdeal) June 14, 2022
It is clear that the Deshaun Watson saga is far from over, and there will likely be more information that emerges before the NFL makes a decision on his playing career moving forward.
