Watson to the Browns

If Watson had chosen us our press conference would have been very similar
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Everything’s okay, survivors of sexual abuse. The Cleveland Browns hear you. They see you. They even empathize with you.


They know you’re uneasy with the man they just handed bags of money to become their next quarterback, even though he faces 22 civil lawsuits by women who have accused him of sexual assault or sexual harassment.

But don’t worry.

The Browns are comfortable with all of this.
They’re comfortable with having him as the face of their franchise, and they hope that, with time, you’ll be comfortable, too.

They will try to convert you, starting with almost 40 minutes of scripted sensitivity during Deshaun Watson’s introduction on Friday as the Browns’ $230 million quarterback.

And with the eyes of the NFL world fixed on them, members of Browns’ leadership will address your concerns. It’s best for you to follow along with their PR playbook.


Step 1: Get out in front of this dumpster fire and at least acknowledge the flames.


Browns General Manager Andrew Berry will tell you how he knows the team’s transaction has triggered emotions. Those allegations — that Watson serially booked massages with a multitude of women, then either exposed himself, touched them with his penis, or even forced one to perform oral sex — they weighed heavy on the Browns, too, Berry will say.

But not heavily enough to stop them from giving Watson the largest guaranteed contract in league history, of course…..

Step 3: Use women as human shields.


The new Browns quarterback will remind you that he was raised by a woman, unlike actual abusers, who apparently were spawned in laboratories.

That his aunties are women. His sister — also! — is a woman. And he will use these biological facts as some way to back up his claims that he has never assaulted, disrespected or harassed a woman.

This is the phrase he will repeatedly use when answering questions because he needs you to believe it, too……

In their remarks, the Haslams used the phrases “get comfortable,” “got comfortable” or “got more comfortable” at least a dozen times in regards to the situation or Watson as a person.

But as the Browns sit comfortably in their decision, they are reinforcing a certain cynicism in sports…..

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/03/26/cleveland-browns-deshaun-watson-introduction/