Deshaun Watson used to be booed upon his go back to the NFL after 700 days clear of the league as he made his debut for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
Watson heard jeers sooner than taking every snap all the way through the primary part on Sunday in his first recreation since getting back from an 11-game suspension for sexual misconduct. Watson’s debut with Cleveland got here in opposition to the Houston Texans, the place he used to be a three-time Pro Bowl pick out in 4 seasons.
After an interception gave the Browns their first ownership, Watson threw a couple of incomplete passes. He spun clear of a sack on 3rd down, and lovers cheered when his throw to David Bell hit the bottom.
A bunch of girls who accused him of sexual harassment and attack right through massages had deliberate to wait the sport. Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents the ladies, didn’t reply to a textual content message looking for to substantiate their attendance. He mentioned previous within the week about 10 girls sought after to wait “to kind of make the statement, ‘Hey we’re still here. We matter.
The few fans in their seats booed when Watson and the Browns jogged onto the field about an hour before kickoff.
Watson sat out the 2021 season after demanding a trade from Houston. After two grand juries in Texas declined to indict him over the allegations, the Browns traded several draft picks to get Watson and then signed him to a fully guaranteed $235m contract.
Several Browns fans at the game said they were uncomfortable rooting for Watson. “I’m cheering for the jersey and the team but it’s hard to accept him as my quarterback,” said Brandon Collins, who traveled from Ohio for the game.
After warming up before the game, Watson signed jerseys for fans behind the end zone. A couple from Houston wearing Texans jerseys also got Watson’s signature on their jerseys.
“We don’t really know what happened and everyone deserves a second chance,” said Sherry Holden, explaining her support.
The NFL wanted to suspend Watson for at least one season but settled for 11 games after an independent arbiter initially gave him a six-game ban. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell pointed to former US District Judge Sue Robinson calling Watson’s behavior “egregious” and “predatory” in seeking the full suspension.
Watson was also fined $5m and required to undergo professional counseling and therapy. Watson has maintained his innocence but has also apologized to the women who made claims against him.
The Browns beat the Texans thank you to 2 defensive touchdowns and a unique groups rating. Deshaun Watson completed 12-of-22 passing for 131 yards and one interception. He posted the worst passer ranking of his NFL occupation at 53.4.
