Deshaun Watson’s complicated authorized state of affairs has the Cleveland Browns in limbo and unclear concerning the quarterback’s instant future.
They've a greater deal with on Baker Mayfield’s.
The crew stated Wednesday that Mayfield, who misplaced his job when the Browns traded for and signed Watson in March to a $230 million contract, has been excused from subsequent week’s necessary minicamp.
"Clearly that was a call made between our group, Baker and Baker’s crew," coach Kevin Stefanski stated following an organized crew actions follow. "Felt like that was the most effective choice for each side."
Mayfield stays on the Browns’ roster whereas the crew tries to commerce the No. 1 general draft decide from 2018. Mayfield, who began 59 video games over the previous 4 seasons and led Cleveland to a playoff win in 2021, has been estranged from the crew because the Browns publicly pursued Watson.
Whereas Mayfield’s state of affairs is headed towards a decision, Watson’s continues to vary.
Now dealing with 24 civil lawsuits — and potential NFL self-discipline — from therapeutic massage therapists accusing him of sexual misconduct throughout classes whereas he performed for Houston, Watson practiced amid the discharge of recent particulars contained in a report by The New York Occasions.
In an article revealed Tuesday, the Occasions reported Watson booked appointments for massages with 66 girls over a 17-month interval. The listing of ladies consists of the 24 who've filed lawsuits, with two of these being added up to now week.
Watson has denied all wrongdoing and two grand juries in Texas declined to indict him on prison complaints.
After signing autographs for college youngsters and followers on the sector following follow Wednesday, Watson, who has not spoken to the media since March 25, declined to remark to the AP concerning the newest report.
Watson stated he most popular that any statements come from his lawyer, Rusty Hardin, or agent, David Mulugheta.
Hardin’s workplace didn't instantly reply to a request for remark.
Stefanski was requested direct questions concerning the newest Watson allegations. As he has performed for weeks, the third-year coach supplied little perception and caught to feedback about "respecting the authorized course of" and "letting the investigation play out."
Since buying Watson, the Browns have stated they have been snug with what they realized concerning the 26-year-old throughout their very own investigation.
Stefanski wouldn’t say if the brand new allegations modified the crew’s stance with Watson or his standing.
That is third straight week Cleveland’s media availability has come a day after a serious improvement in Watson’s case.
Two weeks in the past, a pair of therapeutic massage therapists gave graphic particulars of encounters with him throughout an interview with HBO’s "Actual Sports activities with Bryant Gumbel," and final week the twenty third lawsuit was filed because the Browns held OTAs.
Stefanski was requested if he was pissed off with dealing with questions whereas normal supervisor Andrew Berry and proprietor Jimmy Haslam have been silent.
"I wouldn’t characterize it that approach and I do perceive that you've a job to do," he stated. "So simply going to offer as a lot data as I can, after I can."
Reporting by the Related Press
