The Cleveland Browns limp into week 13 with a 4-7 record and a 7% chance of making the playoffs; so you’re saying there’s a chance? A second chance has been bestowed on Cleveland’s QB1, Deshaun Watson, accused of sexual assault by over 20 massage therapists and suspended the last 11 games. It has been 700 days since Deshaun lit up the Titans for 365 yards and 3 TD’s in a Texans uniform. The Browns are expecting similar play for the highest paid player in the league but will Watson be able to shake off the rust in timely manner amongst the adversity he is sure to face?
It’s been reported 10 of his accusers will be in attendance and will probably have prime seats to stand out and be seen. The slurs that will be coming from the fanatics, deservingly I suppose, will be unlike any verbal assault he has faced. In-addition to wanting to prove to the NFL, the media, the Browns, the fans, his teammates and himself that he hasn’t missed a beat since 2020.
The pressure couldn’t be higher and Mr. Watson did himself no favors at yesterday’s press conference, refusing to answer any questions that were not football related. He continues to stick to the script of his innocence with unspoken mantras in robotic manner without feeling, remorse. It’s sad to see him keep trying to fool himself because he isn’t fooling anybody else. But let’s remember this is a 27 yr. old who obliviously suffers from an imbalance. Not that it excuses his actions but he is definitely deserving of a second chance. It just would be so much easier for the rest of us to start the healing process if he could come clean.
Deshaun and the Browns are hoping his expected stellar play will wash away any memories of the last 2yrs and find him a home that loves him. Sure, Browns fans have an undying love for their football team but some moral objections can’t be stomached. A certain segment may never get on board with a Watson led orange and brown; even if he proves to be a top 5 QB. So how does he win over all Northeast Ohio fans, the NFL, and America?
If I was close enough to him to listen I would advise he gets his hands dirty with community activism, he could start with women’s shelters. But even before that he could make a statement conceding his actions were hurtful and position himself to right those wrongs. If not the media will continue to bring up the issue and his name will be synonymous with sexual predator. Closure may come to a young man blessed with amazing physical talent, a new team, a new home, a clean slate; if he allows it.
Sunday in Houston will be like no other game. Can Deshaun shut off his emotions and just ball amongst all the hate directed at him? Since he hasn’t spoken much truth I suspect he will let his play do the talking. He’s been caged up for a long spell and he’ll want to unload, especially on his old team. Whatever the outcome a new dawn has shined dimly on the North Coast and it will take time to heal this open wound.
