The allegations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct against Deshaun Watson were included in a statement the team released Sunday announcing the trade.
The owners of the ClevelandBrowns said in a statement that they were aware and sympathetic to the personal feelings expressed about the decision. Due process will be respected as we understand there are still some legal proceedings ongoing.
It was crucial that we meet with Deshaun to discuss our priorities and hear directly from him on how he wants to approach his career on and off the field. He was honest and humble. In our conversations, Deshaun talked about his commitment to leading our team and his dedication to building his name in the community and on the field. We are excited about moving forward with Deshaun as our quarterback and supporting his genuine and determined efforts.
On Friday, the Houston Texans were acquired by the Cleveland Browns. In the trade, Cleveland gave up its first-round selections of 2022, 2023 and 2024. A new five-year contract worth $230 million guaranteed by the Cleveland Browns is the most guaranteed money on a single contract in NFL history.
The Texans announced the trade shortly after it was agreed to, but the Browns waited two days before acknowledging it.
We have done extensive investigative, legal and reference work over the past several months to provide us with the appropriate information needed to make an informed decision about pursuing him and moving forward with him as our quarterback. He will make positive contributions to our team and community as we support his return to football.
The Browns didn't give any details of their investigation, and didn't say if they spoke to any of the women who have filed lawsuits against him.
The code of conduct policy of the National Football League has a minimum suspension of six games for violations related to sexual assault. The league confirmed in a statement that any trade would have no effect on the ongoing investigation of serious allegations against the player. Discipline may be imposed if the league determines that he violated the personal conduct policy.
According to a league source, he will only make $1 million in his base salary in 2022. He would lose less than $60,000 per game if he was suspended for violating the code of conduct.
The trade came nine days after a Texas grand jury declined to indict Watson on criminal charges after a police investigation sparked by civil lawsuits. The lawsuits ranged from touching women with his genitals to forced oral sex. Eight of the women who sued were set to appear before the grand jury, but filed criminal complaints against him with Houston police.
Two other women filed police complaints.
After answering questions under oath in depositions connected to the civil lawsuits, the Browns met with him in Houston last Tuesday.
They were told on Thursday that they were no longer in the running. He agreed to waive his no-trade clause to come to Cleveland after changing his mind.
The organization did a lot of background on Deshaun, and we are confident that he will join the team. It was important for us to meet with Deshaun in person as part of our evaluation process, we had a candid conversation about his approach to coming into our organization and community. I am looking forward to the opportunity to coach Deshaun, he is ready to put in the hard work needed to help our team improve and make a positive impact in our community.
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