Deshawn Watson served an 11-game NFL suspension after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual harassment and misconduct during massage sessions; about 10 women who accused Watson plan to attend Sunday’s game in Houston; Watson denies any wrongdoing
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshawn Watson declined to answer non-football questions as he spoke to reporters for the first time since returning from an 11-game NFL suspension following allegations of sexual harassment.
“I’m focused on football,” he said. “My main focus is on the game plan, trying to execute it and making sure I keep the Cleveland Browns at a high level so we can try to win.”
More than two dozen women have accused Watson of sexual harassment and other inappropriate sexual harassment during massage sessions. Over the summer, he agreed to settle 23 of 24 lawsuits against him.
The NFL called Watson’s behavior with masseurs “blatant” and “predatory”, while he was also fined $5 million and had to undergo mandatory counseling and treatment in addition to the suspension.
When asked what he learned during his absence, or if counseling helped him, Watson said, “I respect your question. I understand. it and keep it personal.”
Watson will play his first game for the Browns on Sunday in Houston against his former Texans team, where he played four seasons with the Texans and where the alleged infringement took place.
Lawyer Tony Bazby, who represented the women who filed cases against Watson, said about 10 of them plan to attend Sunday’s game.
“Some of my clients have asked to go,” said Buzby, who will also be in the game. ESPN on Tuesday. “They felt it was important to make it clear that they were still here and that they were important.”
Most of the women who blamed Watson are not interested in his return to NFL play on Sunday and just want to get on with their lives, Buzby said, but some want to “kind of state that, ‘Hey, we’re still here.’ We are important. Our voice has been heard and it’s not over yet.”
