Great Scott!  A Watson Settlement Reached.

Yesterday, Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns QB1, represented by the NFLPA and the NFL crossed the finish line hand in hand, agreeing to 11 games suspended, $5 million fine, and counseling, resulting from the 25 women who filed civil suits against him claiming inappropriate behavior during massage sessions.  Although Sue Robinson, appointed mediator from the league ruled on a 6 game suspension weeks earlier due to the NFL bylaws and the handful of cases she was allowed to set precedent; Roger Goodell, league commissioner, vetoed her ruling setting down the negations with one of his own, former NJ attorney general Peter C. Harvey.  Nobody wanted the case to continue, “I’m so worn out by this saga.  I’m beaten down from it.  I’m saddened. I’m sickened,” said Skip on Undisputed this morning.  He continued, “I always wanted so badly to love this young man and it starts with him as a quarterback.  Those 2 games he played against Alabama, just flat out balling!”  But Skip’s morals were put into question and he says, “I wanted. I wanted. I wanted to buy back in just a little bit.”  “And then we concluded it wasn’t just he said, she said, but he said, she, she, she, she, she, she, she, said” as he pounded the desk for every “she” he got out.  Cleveland Browns fans again bear the brunt of an organization that just isn’t solid like their arch rivals and it starts at the top, Jimmy.

Let’s cut through the bullshit and tell it like it is C-town.  First, Mr. Watson demanded a trade because of football reasons and refused to play for Houston.  Then the women came forward one by two and three.  The Texans, I feel blackmailed him, they knew (NDA’s), and so you want to sit; fine!  Next, Deshaun is cleared of criminal charges but the civil suits draw water.  The team decides to trade him in the spring and among other clubs, the Browns give him the chocolate factory, guaranteed.  Everyone examining the facts can draw the same conclusion as Rich Eisen roleplayed on his sports show, “Hey you want to meet for a message?  Can you be ready in an hour?”  Pro athletes when receiving services to their vessel only trust one, maybe two masseuses with their body.  Deshaun can’t tell the truth wholeheartedly because he can’t be charged as it stands with the evidence, and so he continues to look bad.  Browns owner, Jimmy Haslam, (Flying J) instead spoke for him and acknowledged his remorsefulness during the press conference.  And as bad as that looked, Jimmy said something we all must take to heart, “Deshaun is 26.” 

Can you imagine what Jimmy was doing at 26 and he wasn’t in every smart phone feed in America when one talks of the NFL or “Me Too.”  Was justice served, probably not, but we will never know the true extent of the (alleged) assaults.  The only outcome is the one agreed upon and it’s an omega fish oil to swallow for all.  Mrs. Haslam did not aid in the Browns organization or women in general when she spoke up and pledged $1 million for women in the Cleveland area, half-heartedly at the press conference.  A $45 million dollar signing bonus to the “predator”, according to Roger Goodell and $1 million for frail women that live locally does not sit well for this white privileged man.  The Haslam’s are billionaires; get the fuck outta here with that stack, (Wags!) because that’s a Band-Aid on something that needs stiches.  Andrew Berry, I felt, was called upon to be the fall guy in front of the press.  He’s an extraordinary GM and picks the groceries but the Haslam’s swipe their debit card.  LeBron said in the movie, Trainwreck, “You ever see a Cuyahoga sunset,” because at the end of the day; everybody knew, Browns, Texans, and other clubs such as the Flacons and Saints, and the NFL.  If you disagree, I’ll give a Chris Carter, C’Mon Man! 

Now that we’ve come to grips of what has transpired how do we react?  Do we cancel are season tickets like Andrea Pacione, Jim Thome’s wife, and make a statement denouncing the 26 year old?  I agree with her stance of, “if you don’t like it, vote with your pocket book, or change the channel.”  Watson was in purgatory last year due to the Texans compliance in his disgusting and harmful behavior; and the real problem was, to my knowledge, never addressed.  Skip Bayless, the Diabolical Hater, at times wears a sports coat of humanity and spoke gently when recalling Deshaun’s contrition, “I’ll give in a little bit. We’re a forgiving country.  I hope we’re a forgiving world,” wiping his right eye.  Watching a wealthy celebrity fall is a great joy to average Americans who suffer through an endless cycle of bills and no’s but why hasn’t anyone come forward to help this young man?  Too hold his hand, or slap it when he is out of line?  To say, “What you did was terrible, hurtful, and creepy, but I know that’s not who you want to be or who you are at your core?”  “If you believe that, let’s begin.”  But instead the media and SM throw rocks and make ourselves feel better that we didn’t fuckup that bad. 

Punishing Browns QB1 with another year long absence from live NFL play, I believe would only harm his recovery process.  When an individual is faced with an embarrassment of their shortcomings, that impedes on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness of their fellow red blooded, causing trauma; I find that putting my head down, paying my restitution, and going to work occupy the devil’s time.  The nightmares his therapists and himself have can never heal if he doesn’t recover, see them as himself, and make more than monetary amends.  If he isn’t busy running the potent offensive of a team that is “ready to roll,” can’t train in the building, have team contact, what do think he may do?  He needs the Orange and Brown for support and Deshaun needs to put in the work period.

Although there was no reported violence, Watson’s behavior is Jeffery Epstein eques and the media has been nice enough not to draw line connecting the two.  Are women capable of forgiving such a man?  Are Cleveland Brown fans, the nation, or world?  Will we forget until week 12 in Houston, when he starts vs. his old team?  Time heals all wounds and at 26 years old, Deshaun has a lot of growing up to do.  I hope he finds the right mentor and wife for growth.  Because I want to wake-up like Skip and start my day saying, “I had dream last night. I was floating down a river of diet Mountain Dew toward Valhalla and you (Shannon his co-host) were there greeting me, guiding me towards thousands and thousands of cases of diet Mountain Dew.  It was one of the greatest dreams I’ve ever had.”  The river gets dyed green up north on 3-17 and we all are Irish on that day, dawn to dusk.