|
More than 20 women had come forward last year and filed lawsuits
against Watson, who was also investigated by the NFL for
allegations they described as "deeply disturbing".
A Texas grand jury declined to indict the quarterback this
month.
Watson had signed a four-year, $156 million contract extension
with the Texans in 2020 but requested a trade last January and
did not play last season.
"We spent a tremendous amount of time exploring and
investigating the opportunity to trade for Deshaun Watson,"
Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement.
"We are acutely aware and empathetic to the highly personal
sentiments expressed about this decision. Our team's
comprehensive evaluation process was of utmost importance due to
the sensitive nature of his situation and the complex factors
involved.
"We also understand there are still some legal proceedings that
are ongoing and we will respect due process."
Watson still faces civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault
and inappropriate conduct. He has denied the allegations.
ESPN reported Watson would sign a five-year, $230 million
contract. Watson posted an image of himself wearing the Browns
uniform on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/
CbQg458uuqC,
saying: "Let's go, ready to work!".
"Our organization did a tremendous amount of background on
Deshaun," Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said.
"We understand the concerns and questions that exist but are
confident in the extensive work... (our) staff have done to feel
confident about him joining our organization."
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)
[© 2022 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content. |
|
