Watson’s new teammates say focus is on football

BEREA — Deshaun Watson threw pinpoint passes, celebrated a highlight play made by his primary backup, Jacoby Brissett, met with military members who received a sneak peek at practice and presented linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. with a luxurious gift.

For the afternoon, at least, he was insulated from the controversy hanging over his head.

Two of the women who have accused Watson of sexual misconduct, Ashley Solis and Kyla Hayes, provided detailed accounts of their accusations in an episode of HBO'S “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” that aired Tuesday evening.

The next day, Walker, cornerback Greg Newsome II and Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said they hadn't watched the interviews and indicated they weren't a topic of discussion at team headquarters.

“We haven't really talked about it as a team or anything,” Walker said after the Browns' first OTA practice open to media. “I didn't even watch the TV last night, so I can't speak on what was shown and everything.

“On the football field, he's the quarterback. He's locked in leading the offense, and he's done that every day since he's been here.”

Newsome also said Watson, 26, hasn't addressed the matter in a team setting.

“Nah, and I don't think that's any of our business,” Newsome said. “His job in here is to play football, and when he comes in here his job is football, not to tell us about his personal matters.”

Watson hasn't met with Browns beat writers since March 25, when he repeatedly insisted during his introductory news conference he has “never assaulted or disrespected or harassed any woman in my life.”

“I read about [the ‘Real Sports' episode],” Stefanski said. “I would tell you, we did a lot of work on that, as we've talked about. We did a lot of work on Deshaun the person, and there's legal proceedings ongoing, there's an investigation ongoing, so I won't comment much further than that.”

The NFL investigation continued last week with league officials interviewing Watson over the course of three days. After that, Watson hosted more than 20 of the Browns' offensive players for workouts in the Bahamas.

Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb believes the trip was productive and conducive to building team chemistry.

“He's a great guy to be around,” Chubb said. “We all love him. He's a natural leader. He's been here since OTAS started. He took us on his own trip. I think those things bring in trust and bonding for our team.

“He can create big plays. He's a playmaker, so he'll be able to do anything and everything on the field and be more electric. The throws he makes are incredible. He's definitely a special player. I can't wait to work with him.”

Watson gifts Walker a watch

When Walker addressed reporters, Watson interrupted the news conference to hug the linebacker and hand him a Rolex box.

When news of the trade broke, Walker had sent Watson a text message saying, “Welcome to Cleveland, No. 4.” Watson had worn No. 4 with the Texans and Clemson University.

Walker had donned No. 4 last season. Now he's wearing No. 5.

Asked whether the gift was the result of granting Watson jersey No. 4, Walker said, “We'll keep that on the hush.”