Browns’ Watson: ‘I’ve never assaulted any woman’
Deshaun Watson sat stoically behind the microphone, and for nearly 40 minutes barely talked about football.
This wasn’t the time.
It’s unclear when that will be.
Facing pointed questions about sexual misconduct allegations brought against him by 22 women, Watson, one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, defended his character and denied any wrongdoing Friday while being introduced by the Cleveland Browns.
Wearing a dark pinstriped suit and orange tie, Watson showed little emotion at the dais while saying he has never mistreated women and vowing to earn the trust of his new team and a fan base conflicted over his arrival.
“I’ve never assaulted or disrespected or harassed any woman in my life,”
Watson said. “I’ve never done these things people are alleging.”
It was the first time Watson has answered direct questions about the allegations, which first surfaced in March 2021. Watson didn’t play last season for Houston as the criminal and civil complaints by massage therapists mounted and before being heard by two grand juries in Texas.
He has been accused of exposing himself and forcing himself on the women. Watson has maintained any sex was consensual.
“What I can continue to do is tell the truth, and that is I have never assaulted, disrespected or harassed any woman in my life,” he said. “I was raised differently. That is not my DNA. That is not my culture. That is not me as a person.”
On Thursday, a grand jury in Brazoria County, Texas, declined to indict
Watson on one of the original criminal complaints. Two weeks ago, a jury in Harris County also chose not to pursue charges on nine cases.
Watson, acquired last week in a controversial trade that has brought the Browns widespread criticism and scrutiny, understands there are people who will never believe him.
Watson still faces 22 civil lawsuits. The threetime Pro Bowler said he has no intention of settling, and that his only goal “is to clear my name as much as possible.”
ELSEWHERE
Jets: New York signed former Cowboys and Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein to a one-year deal.
The 34-year-old Zuerlein, nicknamed “Greg the Leg,” heads to New York after two seasons in Dallas. The Athletic reported Saturday the contract is worth up to $2.75 million.
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