|
Watson's move from the Houston Texans to the Browns last week
stunned many Cleveland fans but the organization has emphasized
that it did its due diligence into the 26-year-old and said they
were comfortable with him.
"I understand the whole circumstances are very difficult,
especially for the women side of the fans in this community,"
Watson said.
"I'm not naive to that. I know these allegations are very, very
serious.
"But, 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.
"I was raised to be genuine and respect everyone and everything
around me. I've always defended that and will continue to stand
on that.
"I just want the opportunity to be able to show who I am in the
community and be hands on and serve other people."
This month two Texas grand juries declined to indict Watson.
He also faces 22 civil lawsuits and remains under NFL
investigation for violating the league's personal conduct
policy, which could lead to a suspension.
The Browns said they did not reach out to any of his accusers
directly because the team's lawyers said that would be
considered interfering with the criminal investigation.
Instead the team relied on private investigators during what it
called a "five-month odyssey" and in the end said they were
comfortable with Watson, who signed a five-year, $230 million
contract with the Browns.
"Once we got comfortable with Deshaun the person it became
pretty straightforward from a football perspective," Browns
General Manager Andrew Berry said.
"We think he's one of the best players at the position in the
sport. He's obviously in his prime, and we think it's the most
important position in the sport."
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Ken
Ferris)
[© 2022 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content. |
|
