New Browns QB Deshaun Watson comments on legal issues

Deshaun Watson is getting a fresh start in the NFL with a new team, but that doesn’t mean he’s officially clear from his legal issues. Currently faced with 22 total lawsuits accusing the quarterback of sexual assault and harassment, Watson – who was recently traded from the Houston Texans to Cleveland Browns – is still right in the middle of the mess as he makes the move.

While being officially introduced as a member of the Browns on Friday, Watson was – unsurprisingly – asked about his ongoing legal issues and civil cases and provided a brief statement on the important matter.

“I understand the whole circumstances are very difficult, especially for the women’s side of the fans in this community,” Watson said. “Like I’ve mentioned before, I’ve never assaulted any woman. I’ve never disrespected any woman. I was raised by a single parent mom who has two aunties as her sisters. … That’s who raised me.

“I was raised to be genuine and respect everyone and everything around me. So, I’ve always defended that, and I’ll continue to stand on that. I just want the opportunity to show who I really am in the community.”

Continuing, Watson said that he’s a team-first type of player and enjoys being active in the community – and added that’s going to be what he does while he’s a member of the Cleveland Browns.

“The biggest thing for me, as a person, is I’m genuine, I’m hardworking, a servant leader who loves to be social in the community, who loves to give back,” Watson said. “Very team-oriented, so I love hanging out with my teammates. But also, I want to be able to show that eventually and get out into the community. I’ve always been hands-on in the community of Houston and back home in Gainesville and back home in Clemson, and that’s what I want to do is be able to get back to that person that people knew I was before – before all these allegations.”

Despite the many ongoing lawsuits, two separate grand juries have already made the decision not to indict Watson.

Contract details revealed for Deshaun Watson

After the Browns completed their acquisition of former Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, additional details on the contract specifics have been revealed.

Watson’s full contract will be for five years, with a massive $230 million guaranteed — with a cap hit of $54.9 million for the 2023-26 seasons. The former Clemson star has been the subject of trade discussions since the beginning of the 2021 NFL season, finally finding the offer made by Cleveland to be a reason to accept their trade.

Prior to accepting a trade to Cleveland, one of the major desires Watson had for a new contract stemmed from him asking for more money guaranteed in his contract.

On3’s Austin Brezina contributed to this report.