Deshaun Watson: Sexual misconduct suspension ‘changed me’
Deshaun Watson is indicating he’s ready to turn over a new leaf.
The troubled Cleveland Browns quarterback, suspended 11 games and fined $5 million by the NFL for allegations of sexual misconduct from more than two dozen massage therapists last year, says his experience away from the league had a big impact.
“The whole situation changed me,” he told reporters Sunday. “In a situation where I just had to lock in on myself, channel and really know who I’m surrounding myself with and just really who’s going to be there and support me even when I’m at my lowest point and the last few years were definitely my lowest point in my life.
“But that’s part of life. I just grow from it, I learn from it. I continue to move forward and push forward and continue to show my real character, my real personality and who I am.”
The quarterback reportedly addressed his new team, letting them in on his side of the suspension story.
“Things that people don’t really get to hear about,” he said. “Especially last year, it’s been the media directing and narrating something else. … [my story] has been kind of overshadowed.”
Watson also added that he was feeling more comfortable in Cleveland, where he was traded in March 2022 and subsequently signed a five-year, $230 million deal — the largest guaranteed amount in NFL history.
“Feel really well, feel really good, comfortable being around the guys, the locker room, the coaching staff, the organization and just the city of Cleveland,” he said.
“So having an opportunity to go into the season with a full offseason, locked in, focused, it definitely feels good, and I want to continue to keep channeling and cherishing all that energy and positive energy that’s been spread around this organization.”
Watson made his debut with the Browns last December, following four seasons with the Texans in which he made the Pro Bowl three times and led the league in passing with 4,823 yards in 2020.
Cleveland went 3-3 in the six games Watson started and the quarterback tossed 1,102 yards and seven touchdowns.
