Browns’ Watson denies sexual misconduct
Quarterback Deshaun Watson, obtained by the Browns from the Texans on March 18, on Friday strongly denied committing any sexual misconduct despite allegations made by 22 women,
“I’ve never assaulted or disrespected or harassed a woman in my life,” Watson said at his introductory news conference in Cleveland. “That’s not how I was raised. 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 the Texans as the cases mounted.
For nearly 40 minutes, Watson was asked about his character, the charges against him and how he’ll attempt to rebuild his image. He understands there are people who will not believe him.
“I know that there’s going to be a stain that probably is going to stick with me for a while, but all I can do is keep moving forward and to continue to show the person that I am, the true character, the true person, the true human being I am,” Watson said. “I’ve never done the things that these people are alleging and I’m going to continue to fight for my name and clear my name and like I’ve been doing, just cooperate with everything that comes with it.”
Transactions: Wide receiver/ return man Richie James, who played for the 49ers for three seasons (2018-2020) before missing the 2021 season because of a knee injury, agreed to a one-year contract with the Giants . ... Quarterback Trevor Siemian, who made four starts for the Saints last season, agreed to a two-year contract with the Bears, his agent said on Twitter . ... Linebacker Jermaine Carter, who started all 17 games for the Panthers last season, agreed to a contract with Kansas City . ... Former Detroit linebacker Jarrad Davis, who spent last season with the Jets, agreed to a one-year deal with the Lions. Davis made 45 starts with Detroit from 2017 through ’20 . ... Safety Daniel Sorensen, who started seven games for Kansas City in 2021, agreed to a one-year deal with the Saints . ... Cornerback Chandon Sullivan, who started 10 games for the Packers in each of the past two seasons, agreed to a deal with the Vikings.