No cheers for Watson in Alabama
Deshaun Watson apparently had another run-in with Alabama.
A pair of videos that surfaced Friday on Twitter appeared to show the former Clemson quarterback leaving Innisfree, an Irish pub in Tuscaloosa, Ala., after being confronted by two former Crimson Tide football players.
The incident began to garner attention on social media Friday evening after a Twitter user with the handle @doctor_59 posted a 45-second video of Watson leaving the establishment.
A video posted later Friday by Barstool Sports’ Clemson account appeared to show Ryan Anderson, a member of last year’s Alabama football team that lost 35-31 to Clemson in the national championship game, and Wallace Gilberry, a former Alabama football player who now plays for the Cincinnati Bengals, telling Watson to leave the tavern.
A statement posted to Innisfree Irish Pub Tuscaloosa’s Facebook page said no staff or employees asked Watson to leave.
“Over the years we have had thousands of visitors from rival schools and have always treated them fairly,” the statement read. “[Friday] was not any different. The unfolding of today’s events were not led by our staff or anyone employed by Innisfree Irish Pubs. Unfortunately a customer attempted to invoke the right to refuse service on our behalf and after being identified, was immediately asked to leave the premises following the incident. We apologize for any inconvenience this incident caused to our customers. We appreciate anyone that chooses to visit our establishment and hope to continue welcoming sports fans for years to come.”
Watson led the Tigers to victory in the College Football Playoff title game with 420 passing yards and 4 total touchdowns, while Anderson had 1 sack and 2 fumble recoveries for the losing side. Anderson and the Crimson Tide defeated Clemson 45-40 in the previous year’s national championship game.