Following his trade to the Cleveland Browns under a five-year deal, Deshaun Watson has once again denied the sexual misconduct allegations he’s facing.
Over 20 women have filed civil suits against Watson for alleged sexual misconduct during massages, but earlier this month a grand jury determined that there wasn’t enough evidence to charge the 26-year-old quarterback. He could still face additional charges in other states, however. During a press conference on Friday, he was asked about the allegations again and insisted he’s never assaulted any women.
“Why should you be believed instead of more than 20 women?” a reporter asked.
“I can’t speak on what people’s opinions are, because everyone has their own opinions, but what I can continue to do is tell the truth and that is that I’ve never assaulted or disrespected or harassed any women in my life,” said Watson in response. “I was raised differently, that’s not in my DNA that’s not my culture, that’s not me and that’s not how I was raised.” He added that he intends to “continue to clear my name as much as possible.”
According to the lawsuits, two women claimed he forced them to perform oral sex, three women said he ejaculated on them, and one said he forcibly kissed them. Across the suits, 18 women said he touched them with his penis during massages.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski said during the press conference that they understand the criticism they have faced after signing Watson to a five-year, $230 million contract. Berry said it was a “five-month odyssey” to get Watson on the team. “As we were able to accumulate more and more information, you know, the pure volume of it, the amount of time and work we placed into it that ultimately got us comfortable."
He added that the team was advised not to reach out to any of the 22 women who have leveled sexual assault and misconduct allegations against Watson. "We were advised by our attorneys against reaching out directly to the 22 women out of concern that it be considered interfering with a criminal investigation," said Berry. "It's this, among several other reasons, that made it important for us to use independent investigative resources that were unbiased and comprehensive so we could get a full picture."
Last year, Watson reportedly attempted to settle some of the lawsuits.
