Watson faced questions about his character and allegations against him when he was formally introduced as a Browns player at the team’s headquarters; The Browns acquired the quarterback in exchange for the Houston Texans.
Deshawn Watson has vehemently denied committing any sexual harassment, despite allegations made by 22 women against the Cleveland Browns’ new starting quarterback.
This was the first time Watson had answered direct questions about the allegations, which first surfaced in March 2021. Watson did not play for the Houston Texans in the NFL last season as cases grew.
“I have never in my life insulted, disrespected or harassed a woman,” Watson said. “I’m not brought up that way. I’ve never done the kind of things people talk about.
“I know this is going to be a stain that will probably stay with me for a while but all I can do is keep moving forward and keep showing the person that I am, true character, real person, real man I am.
“I’ve never done what these people are claiming and I’m going to keep fighting for my name and clearing my name and like I’ve been doing, just collaborating with everything that comes with it.”
Berry defended the Browns’ controversial decision to trade Watson, who was accused by two dozen massage therapists of various sexual activities during private sessions. He always maintained that any sex was consensual.
The general manager described the independent investigation as a five-month odyssey that left the team comfortable enough with Watson as a person to trade him and, more broadly, make him the face of their franchise.
“As an organization, we know this deal has been very difficult for a lot of people, especially the women in our community,” Berry said.
“We understand that this caused a number of emotions. And that, and the nature of the accusations, had a profound effect on all of us.
