Deshaun Watson spoke with the media on Friday for the first time since he was traded to the Cleveland Browns, and the star quarterback made his most extensive comments to date about his ongoing sexual misconduct scandal. His response to one particular question is sure to draw criticism.
Watson has been accused of sexual assault by 22 women, all of who are massage therapists. Many have wondered why a person would need so many different massage therapists, especially when most NFL teams have their own on staff. Watson was asked about that, and part of his explanation was that social media is a big business.
#Browns QB Deshaun Watson said he can't get too far into detail about why he used so many massage therapists, but with this day and age, social media is a big business that goes into to it, so that's a factor in it
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) March 25, 2022
Watson said he could not get into further detail due to the impending civil lawsuits against him. The explanation made little sense.
Watson also reiterated numerous times that he never assaulted anyone. He said he does not intend to settle any of the lawsuits and that he will not consider counseling because he doesn’t feel he has “an issue.”
Browns QB Deshaun Watson says he doesn't intend to settle the 22 lawsuits, wants to clear his name. Asked if he'll seek counseling, he answers, "The counseling part is hard, because I don't have a problem, I don't have an issue."
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 25, 2022
We’ve seen screenshots of text messages that are not a good look for Watson. Some of the massage therapists also accused Watson of inappropriate and unwanted touching during sessions. Several women filed criminal complaints against the 26-year-old, but two separate grand juries declined to indict him.
Watson could still be suspended after the NFL conducts its own investigation. He has admitted no wrongdoing since the allegations first surfaced, and he is clearly committed to that approach.
Photo: Jan 27, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the NFL Pro Bowl football game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
