Cleveland Browns say crew did ‘intensive’ inquiry into Deshaun Watson earlier than finishing commerce

BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns referred to as their analysis and investigation into Deshaun Watson, together with the allegations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct towards him, “intensive” in an announcement the crew launched Sunday saying the commerce.

“We’re acutely conscious and empathetic to the extremely private sentiments expressed about this resolution,” Browns homeowners Jimmy and Dee Haslam mentioned in an announcement. “Our crew’s complete analysis course of was of utmost significance because of the delicate nature of his scenario and the complicated components concerned. We additionally perceive there are nonetheless some authorized proceedings which might be ongoing and we’ll respect due course of.

“It was pivotal that we, together with Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski, meet with Deshaun to have a simple dialogue, focus on our priorities, and listen to immediately from him on how he desires to strategy his profession on and off the sector. He was humble, honest and candid. In our conversations, Deshaun detailed his dedication to main our crew; he understands and embraces the arduous work wanted to construct his title each in the neighborhood and on the sector. … We’re assured in Deshaun and enthusiastic about transferring ahead with him as our quarterback and supporting his real and decided efforts.”

On Friday, the Browns landed Watson from the Houston Texans. Cleveland traded its 2022, 2023 and 2024 first-round picks, in addition to two different picks, within the commerce. The Browns additionally gave Watson a brand new five-year contract, value $230 million assured, probably the most assured cash on a single contract in NFL historical past by a full $80 million.

Not like the Texans, who introduced the commerce shortly after it was agreed to Friday, the Browns waited two days earlier than publicly acknowledging it.

“We have now executed intensive investigative, authorized and reference work over the previous a number of months to supply us with the suitable info wanted to make an knowledgeable resolution about pursuing him and transferring ahead with him as our quarterback,” Browns normal supervisor Andrew Berry mentioned in an announcement. “Deshaun has been among the many best on the place and he understands the work wanted to re-establish himself on and off the sector in Cleveland. We’re assured that he’ll make constructive contributions to our crew and group as we assist his return to soccer.”

The Browns did not present specifics of their intensive investigation, and did not say whether or not they tried to or truly spoke to any of the 22 girls who’ve filed civil lawsuits towards Watson and accused him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct.

The NFL might droop Watson for no less than six video games by means of its code of conduct coverage for violations associated to sexual assault. The league confirmed in an announcement that any commerce would have “no impact on the NFL’s ongoing and complete investigation of the intense allegations towards Watson. If the league’s investigation determines Watson violated the private conduct coverage, self-discipline could also be imposed pursuant to the coverage.”

A league supply instructed ESPN, nonetheless, that as a part of Watson’s new deal, he’ll solely make $1 million in his base wage for 2022. Which means, if he is suspended by the NFL for violating its code of conduct associated to sexual assault, he would lose lower than $60,000 per sport misplaced.

Cleveland’s announcement of the commerce got here simply 9 days after a Texas grand jury declined to indict Watson on legal prices following a police investigation sparked by the civil lawsuits. The allegations within the lawsuits ranged from touching girls together with his genitals to compelled oral intercourse. Eight of the ladies who sued Watson filed legal complaints towards him with Houston police and had been set to look earlier than the grand jury.

Two different girls who did not sue Watson additionally filed police complaints.

The Browns met with Watson in Houston final Tuesday, shortly after he answered questions beneath oath in depositions linked to the civil lawsuits.

On Thursday, the Browns had been knowledgeable they had been not within the operating for Watson. However by Friday, he’d had a change of coronary heart and agreed to waive his no-trade clause to come back to Cleveland.

“Our group did an incredible quantity of background on Deshaun,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned in an announcement. “We perceive the issues and questions that exist however are assured within the intensive work Andrew and his employees have executed to really feel assured about him becoming a member of our group. It was necessary for us to satisfy with Deshaun in particular person as a part of our crew’s analysis course of, we had a candid dialog concerning his strategy to coming into our group and group. I am wanting ahead to the chance to educate Deshaun, he is able to put within the arduous work wanted to assist our crew enhance and make a constructive influence in our group.”