The Cleveland Browns have welcomed back quarterback Deshaun Watson after serving an 11-game suspension and paying a $5 million fine over allegations of sexual misconduct and sexual assault. However, while he is participating fully in practice, there’s one aspect of being an NFL star that he’s still not doing…talking to reporters.
According to ESPN’s Kimberley A. Martin, Watson will not speak with reporters on Wednesday at practice.
Deshaun Watson is here in the #Browns locker room, but isn’t expected to talk on a typical QB Wednesday…
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) November 30, 2022
When asked why the team’s starting quarterback wouldn’t meet with reporters, head coach Kevin Stefanski said “that’s not my department.”
Off the bat, Kevin Stefanski is asked why Deshaun Watson isn’t talking on a typical Wednesday:
“That’s not my department.” #browns
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) November 30, 2022
Gee, wonder why they don’t want Watson talking to reporters?
Watson is not required to speak with reporters on Wednesday, but it’s pretty common for the QB to do so given the timeframe of the week.
NFL rules require all players to be available once during the week of a game, so he’s going to have to speak with the press sooner or later. If Watson is avoiding being asked tough questions about the allegations against him, his suspension, and the news that some of his accusers will be attending this weekend’s game against the Houston Texans, he can only do so for so long.
Even if he does speak with reporters eventually, the move seems to imply that the Browns organization continues to think they’re above it all and just want the whole thing to go away.
why, what happened https://t.co/r0XaUGbsro
— the bills won (@thebillswon) November 30, 2022
Ah, Browns. Courage of their convictions as always. https://t.co/V8TnRBuP7O
— Mark Ennis (@MarkEnnis) November 30, 2022
Coward https://t.co/ahqiNDzowq
— Chet (@ChetGresham) November 30, 2022
The HC bought this circus and deferring to the PR team is SO weak. Tough, smart and accountable. Hilarious. #Browns https://t.co/l1IlVlXPGS
— Mitchell Fink (@themitchellfink) November 30, 2022