You'd never know Deshaun Watson was the center of a PR firestorm over allegations of sexual misconduct based on his work at Browns OTAs. It's all business. (TheLandOnDemand)
Kevin Stefanski still unflappable as controversy swirls around Deshaun Watson
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
Takeaways from Browns OTA practice and interviews …
Kevin Stefanski fielded 24 questions in 11 minutes after Browns OTA practice on Wednesday.
Thirteen of them were about Deshaun Watson and the PR firestorm swirling around the new quarterback.
Stefanski said little, unflappably stood his ground and never changed his demeanor or lost his patience. He signaled no new emotion about the Watson story or the volume of unsavory allegations being reported by the day.
“I understand the question,” Stefanski said, establishing the tone from the first one. “I think for me, I am going to be respectful of the investigation, of the legal proceedings and I am going to let that play out.”
Part of Stefanski’s job is to be the club spokesman on a daily basis while his team is in session. He does a good job of maintaining his poise and not snapping, “Stop, already. I’m sick of it.”
The first two years of his tenure, Stefanski didn’t have what is considered a normal offseason program and OTA season because of COVID-19 protocols. Now that the pandemic has lessened and NFL routines are back to normal, Stefanski has to deal with this Watson story every day.
The saddest part is that if Watson’s future wasn’t in doubt, there would be so much to be excited about with this coming Browns season.
Player’s perspective
Safety John Johnson had another interception of Watson in a team drill – his second on successive OTA practices open to media – which gave media a chance to gather his perspective on the Watson story. Johnson is a top-5 interview on the team, always insightful and unafraid to express his opinion.
“Once we cross these lines on the field, once we step into the building, it’s Browns football and it’s work,” he said. “Any off the field issues, you never want to see a guy going through something. We have to bring [Watson] in as a teammate and keep pushing.”
Could the Watson controversy and possible lengthen suspension derail the Browns’ season?
“In a perfect world, you wish that it wasn’t here,” Johnson said. “But I don’t think it’s anything that can get in the way. It’s like a speed bump, it’s not really like a barrier that blocks us from where we want to get. It’s a speed bump. So once we get over it and we hit full steam ahead we’ll be fine."
How has Watson handled things around the team?
“I’m around him in the locker room. I’m around him in the sauna. We talk. I don’t think it’s getting in the way,” Johnson said. “I think he’s a professional. Once he comes to work, it’s about work. It’s about building relationships with his teammates. He took the guys on a trip. I think he has something else planned. Just building bonds, building relationships. I think he’s done a great job of just being a true professional. Hopefully, it all clears up soon.”
Mayfield excused
The Browns and exiled quarterback Baker Mayfield mutually agreed he would be excused from mandatory minicamp next week. He did not elect to press the issue and exercise his contractual right to show up.
“That was a decision made between our organization, Baker and Baker’s team,” Stefanski said. “Felt like that was the best decision for both sides.”
The development was inevitable and suggests two things:
*The interaction between the club and Mayfield may help to thaw their icy relationship and lead to a more cooperative resolution to their impasse. The CBA does not allow for “excusing” a player under contract from mandatory training camp practices. So the Browns will have about 50 days to facilitate an exit for Mayfield before the projected training camp reporting date of July 28 to avoid further drama.
*Hopefully, national “insiders” will drop the idea of the Browns reconciling with Mayfield as insurance against an imminent Watson suspension. Neither side has any intention of that happening. If the Browns even had that in the back of their mind as a Plan Z, they would have brought him in to minicamp.
We go back to Johnson for his thoughts on whether the players have “mentally separated” from Mayfield as a teammate.
“Obviously, you look at the roster and he’s still there,” he said. “He’s not present here. I think it’s business, we all understand that now more than ever. We got three quarterbacks here now, so it’s kind of leaning towards him not being here. I wouldn’t say we mentally separated, but we are prepared for him not being here.”
Brownie bits
The Browns and News 5, the team’s flagship TV station, announced its broadcast team for preseason games will consist of Cleveland-native Chris Rose (play-by-play), Browns left tackle legend Joe Thomas (analyst) and former NFL Network reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala (sideline reporter). News 5 will be the TV home for preseason games Aug. 12 at Jacksonville, Aug. 21 home v. Philadelphia, and Aug. 27 home v. Chicago …
For the first time, media saw rookie kicker Cade York in action for live team field-goal drills. York made 7 of 8, missing just left from about 50 yards, and finishing with a 60-yard strike through the uprights. “He’s unbelievable,” Johnson said. “Looks like the ball just flies off his foot. I’m really looking forward to the season and seeing him kick.” …
Stefanski said tempo and intensity won’t really change from OTAs, which conclude on Thursday, and the three days of mandatory minicamp next week. Two differences, though: Stefanski will move practice from Berea to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton to FirstEnergy Stadium over the three days. Also, the entire team will be on hand. Missing the voluntary practice on Wednesday were Myles Garrett, Jadeveon Clowney, Joel Bitonio and David Njoku.
