It sounds like the Browns have the ability to cut Deshaun Watson loose.
The dual-threat quarterback is currently facing mounting allegations of sexual misconduct, and it doesn’t seem like there’s any end in sight for the spigot of accusations to turn off. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
Well, if more and more women come forward with allegations, the team might be able to dump Watson without having to pay him his full $230 million deal.
Deshaun Watson Breaks His Silence As Allegations Mount. Will Fans Believe Him? https://t.co/iQayZH5Umk
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) June 14, 2022
Jennifer Bubel recently wrote the following about how the Browns could get out of the massive contract:
The Browns were aware of the first 23 women who had filed lawsuits. In his contract with the team, it states that he is exempt from suspension “solely in connection with matters disclosed to the club in writing”, which we can assume means the 23 lawsuits. Now that a 24th has come forward, it’s possible that the Browns could void Watson’s contract, since they were not previously aware of this woman. Where there are 24, there are more. It would not be surprising if more women start coming out to tell their stories, considering more than 40 women have said they massaged Watson in the last year and a half.
It’s going to be fascinating to see what the Browns end up doing if more and more allegations drop against Watson. It’s incredibly important to note all the allegations are civil and he’s not facing a single criminal charge.
Furthermore, there are several instances of massage therapists in the big piece from The New York Times that aren’t even suing Watson. They just spoke about their alleged experiences with the superstar quarterback.
“I never assaulted anyone. I never harassed anyone or I never disrespected anyone. I never forced anyone to do anything.”
—Deshaun Watson speaking to the media for the first time since March 25 pic.twitter.com/7MCiR5uvfo
— ESPN (@espn) June 14, 2022
Having said that, you have to wonder if there’s a red line for the Browns at some point. How many allegations would be too many? Would 30 do it? Would 35? How about 40?
Again, that’s not to say Watson did anything wrong, but at some point, the team has to think this is simply too big of a PR nightmare. If they feel like he did something wrong and can get rid of him without paying him, they might have to do it.
The Browns Reportedly Make Huge Decision About Deshaun Watson’s Future https://t.co/Lt1z2J56Cy
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) June 11, 2022
Of course, that won’t get the team back the first round picks that were dealt for him, but at this point, that might not even be the team’s biggest concern.