Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

Deshaun Watson maintains innocence in wake of 11-game suspension

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 8/18/22

Soon after it was reported that the NFL and NFLPA agreed to an 11-game suspension and $5 million fine for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for violating the league's personal conduct policy, Watson released a statement. Among other things, the 26-year-old stated that he took "accountability for the decisions I made."
Shortly after, Watson took the podium at Browns practice to answer questions from the media and appeared to send some mixed messages.

Deshaun Watson to reporters vs. Deshaun Watson in written statement. pic.twitter.com/uQ1ns5tUmw
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) August 18, 2022

When asked about people's reaction to Watson still claiming his innocence: "I have to do what is best for Deshaun Watson at the end of the day." pic.twitter.com/TB4qYE4sx6
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 18, 2022

Deshaun Watson asked if any more allegations will come forward. pic.twitter.com/qzQKOdb0sQ
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) August 18, 2022

Watson wasn't the only one whose responses to media questions caused a stir on social media. Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam also had some interesting responses regarding the situation.

Would #Browns owner Jimmy Haslam make the Deshaun Watson trade again today?

"Absolutely."

Says he believes in the second chances. "Is he never supposed to play again? Is he never supposed to be part of society?"

Mentions Kareem Hunt's second chance, says that worked out well.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 18, 2022

In the middle of questions about Deshaun Watson's behavior, Jimmy Haslam says: "It's important to remember Deshaun Watson is 26-years old, and he's a hell of an NFL quarterback." pic.twitter.com/cIeLtnzkGg
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 18, 2022

The #Browns situation in one video.

Jimmy Haslam: "He said he's remorseful."

Deshaun Watson: "I continue to stand on my innocence."

"Just because settlements happen, it doesn't mean a person is guilty of anything." pic.twitter.com/BKZX58AOJQ
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 18, 2022

The quarterback's agent, David Mulugheta, also took to Twitter to post his thoughts.

Deshaun has always stated he is innocent of sexual assault. Nothing has changed in what he said. He also said he is remorseful, the decisions he made have created this situation. The settlement allows him to move forward with his life and career.
— David Mulugheta (@DavidMulugheta) August 18, 2022

In his final response to media questions on Thursday, Watson said that he will try to tell "his side of the story" eventually.

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