Deshaun Watson held his first press conference since his introduction on March 25. It's probably the last time we'll hear from him before the NFL decides how long he will be suspended. (TheLandOnDemand)
Deshaun Watson reiterates his innocence and discloses he’s receiving counseling to deal with the stress of his legal situation
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
In his first press conference since his introduction on March 25 – and probably his last until the NFL renders a verdict on a possible suspension -- Deshaun Watson reiterated his innocence of charges of sexual assault and misconduct brought by over two dozen massage therapists.
“Like I said, I never assaulted anyone, I never harassed anyone, I never disrespected anyone, never forced anyone to do anything,” Watson said after the Browns’ first of three mandatory minicamp practices.
The number of civil lawsuits was 22 when the Browns moved the stars and planets to win Watson’s favor and acquire him from the Houston Texans. Now the cases are up to 26. Watson would not answer when asked if he was surprised by the additional lawsuits.
“I can’t control what the other side is doing with the legal process,” he said. “But I just have to continue on focusing on being the best Deshaun Watson I can be for this organization.”
In his introductory press conference, Watson said he didn’t need counseling “because I don’t have a problem.” But he has agreed to counseling provided by the Browns to deal with stress of his legal fight against a barrage of unseemly allegations that have disgraced his reputation, and a parallel investigation by the NFL that may result in a suspension.
“It’s been a long year and a half, I can say that, personally,” Watson said. “It’s been tough. Since I came here and have been a Cleveland Brown, I’ve been able to use all the resources that this organization has. Been able to start using counseling and talking to someone just to make sure I’m mentally straight, so I can be prepared to walk on this field and be as sharp as I possibly can.
"I’m going to continue to do that and be the best person and grow as an individual, grow as a human being, and just be able to be the best citizen, the best person I can be, and also the best teammate and player I can be.”
Watson said he has tried to earn the trust of his new teammates by just being himself.
“I come in here with my head held high,” he said. “If any one of those guys need to ask questions or have any concerns, they know they can come to my locker and ask me. But ever since I walked in here from Day One, these guys have rallied around me and supported me. And if anything popped up, questions have been asked and I answered them truthfully. And outside of that, we come in here, we work, we try to be the best Cleveland Brown I can be, the best teammate we can be, and we’ve had a lot of fun getting to know each other. These guys have supported me.”
A decision by the NFL on discipline of Watson for violations of the league personal conduct policy may happen at any time. Rusty Hardin, Watson’s attorney, said he expected the league to rule before training camp in late July.
Hardin – and the Browns, for that matter – expect a suspension, but nobody knows how long.
“I can’t control that,” Watson said. “I met with the NFL couple weeks ago. I did everything they asked. I answered every question truthfully that the NFL asked me. I spent hours with the people they brought down. That’s all I can do … tell them and be honest and tell them exactly what happened. I know they have a job to do, so I have to respect that and that’s what we wanted to do, cooperate.”
No matter the length of suspension, Watson said he expects to finish his career with the Browns.
“I’m happy to be a Cleveland Brown. This is going to be my home for the rest of my career. That’s the plan. Everything’s been going good,” he said.
