Browns QB Watson only talks football
BEREA, OHIO » Deshaun Watson didn’t address the accusations or reasons behind his time away from the Browns. No discussion. No reflection.
On the verge of his first regular-season game in nearly two years, Watson stayed clear of more controversy.
Cleveland’s new starting quarterback refused to address non-football questions on Thursday in his first comments since returning from an 11-game NFL suspension over sexual misconduct allegations.
Speaking to the media for the first time since his agreement with the league was announced in August, Watson declined to discuss his ban or the reasons for it. He has been accused by more than two dozen women of sexual harassment and assault during massage therapy sessions.
On Sunday, the 27-year-old will make his long-delayed debut for the Browns in Houston, where he began his career, rose to stardom and where his alleged off-field misconduct happened.
Watson, who was reinstated Monday, opened with a brief statement thanking trainers, teammates and Cleveland fans for their support. He said he had been advised by his “legal and clinical teams” to only address “football questions.”
“I’m focusing on football,” he said. “My main focus is locked in on the game plan and trying to execute and make sure that I’m keeping the standard up for the Cleveland Browns so we can try to win.”
Watson insists he isn’t concerned about a potentially negative reaction and hostile environment. “I’m focusing on just being the starting quarterback and executing the game plan,” he said. “That’s my main focus. I’m not worried about the atmosphere. I have to go in and execute the game plan.”
Bills put Miller on IR
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. » The Buffalo Bills placed defensive end Von Miller on injured reserve on Thursday.
Miller was injured in the second quarter of Buffalo’s 28-25 win over Detroit on Thanksgiving. His knee bent awkwardly as Detroit center Frank Ragnow stepped on Miller’s right ankle.
Miller will miss at least four games, but Bills general manager Brandon Beane said the team is hoping that Miller can return for the final stretch of Buffalo’s season.