Browns QB Deshaun Watson begins mandatory counseling

The Cleveland Browns received some clarity last week when starting quarterback Deshaun Watson was given an 11-game suspension and $5 million fine over handfuls of allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions that hovered over his status for more than a year. 

As part of the settlement agreed upon by the NFL and NFL Players Association, Watson's deal "requires compliance with a professional evaluation and treatment plan" for him to be eligible to return to the field.

NBC Sports' Peter King reported in his latest "Football Morning in America" column that a source confirmed Watson has begun the league-mandated counseling. 

As has been the case since last year, Watson once again maintained his innocence while speaking with reporters last week. 

"I've always stood on my innocence and always said I've never assaulted anyone or disrespected anyone, and I'm continuing to stand on that," the 26-year-old said at that time. 

Watson did apologize "to all of the women that I have impacted in this situation" ahead of a preseason game at the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug. 12. 

"My sense is the Browns hope that at some point Watson will understand what he either doesn’t understand or a denial he has been continually fed by his enablers—that he did nothing wrong," King wrote. "Very likely, the Browns believe counseling can help Watson get to the bottom of why he sought treatment from 66 massage therapists in 18 months, per the New York Times. That he has begun the counseling is a step in the right direction." 

As things stand today, the Browns intend to stick to their plan of starting backup Jacoby Brissett for all of the games Watson will miss. Cleveland opens the regular season on Sept. 11 at the Carolina Panthers, which named former Browns signal-caller Baker Mayfield their QB1.