Deshaun Watson fires back at criticism over presence at CFP title game

The brouhaha began when ESPN Nashville radio host Patrick Bet-David took issue on Twitter of footage posted by ESPN showing Watson on the field at Levi’s Stadium celebrating his alma mater Clemson Tigers’ 44-16 throttling of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Bet-David’s apparent issue with Watson was how he was enjoying himself despite the fact the Houston Texans were only days removed from a disappointing 21-7 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC wild-card round.

Bet-David pointed out his arguably dubious critique of Watson while attaching the video in question.

Watson responded to the tweet by mockingly accusing Bet-David of being “in your feelings,” adding the criticism was a “reach.”

Bet-David kept the Twitter dialogue going, praising Watson’s quarterbacking talents while listing off some stats and measurables, but then points out the Texans signal-caller is “questionable” when it comes to having a “killer instinct” like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan and Tom Brady.

It merits noting Watson led the Tigers to a 35-31 victory over the Crimson Tide in the 2017 CFP National Championship game, completing 36-of-56 passes for 420 yards and three touchdowns, including the last-second game-winner.

For him to be excited that his Clemson squad again vanquished the mighty Alabama is perfectly understandable, as is his presence at the game. To suggest that Watson instead should have been in hiding and wallowing in self-pity seems a tad absurd … or at least a “reach,” as Watson put it.