Embattled Cleveland Browns quarterback DeShaun Watson — who was suspended by the NFL for 11 games last season after alleged sexual misconduct/assault of approximately 20 women– believes that a “media narrative” has led to the negative perception that he currently permeates his every move.
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The Browns were back to scheduled activities, and the QB had apparently had enough of his bad reputation. So he decided (perhaps haphazardly) to try to explain his situation. Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Deshaun Watson said that “his story” has been “overshadowed” due to the “media directing and narrating.”
“Things that people don’t really get to hear about. Especially last year, it’s been the media directing and narrating something else. [My story] has been kind of overshadowed. I had an opportunity to tell that story in front of those guys,” Watson said.
The 27-year-old signal caller may have thought that he was floating out some sort of cover story, but any observant viewer can see the real plot behind his tale. His response was perceived to be somewhat Shakespearean… as in Deshaun Watson ‘doth protest too much’. In what turned out to be a waste of words, the Browns’ so-called franchise player attempted to paint himself as a victim – when in reality – he’s the villain.
Roger Goodell’s stiff penalty for his off-field transgressions should have sent a message to the star that his status isn’t going to make him a tragic hero. Because the moral for Deshaun Watson is? He’s the bad guy in this story, and no one had to rewrite it to portray him that way.
Needless to say, fans and media had a field day with the football player’s lack of thoughtfulness. And they lit him up on social media for what they viewed as a tale told by an idiot, full of sound of fury.
“Watson blames the media for the “narrative” of at least 25 women suing him for sexual harassment and abuse,” online sportswriter Stephen Andress posted to Twitter. “Zero remorse. So much for the league-mandated counseling, treatment and clinicians.”
Watson blames the media for the “narrative” of at least 25 women suing him for sexual harassment and abuse.
Zero remorse. So much for the league-mandated counseling, treatment and clinicians. pic.twitter.com/4lDNQZmBkZ
— Stephen Andress (@StephenAndress1) July 23, 2023
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Several other football fans have echoed the same sentiment, and it appears that DeShaun Watson can’t get out of his own way these days.
It’s all such a shame because, at one time, he was considered one of the brightest, young playmakers in the NFL. The Houston Texans’ first-round draft pick (12th overall) in 2017, he had already led Clemson to a National Championship.
Watson was a three-time Pro Bowler with the franchise before his controversies led him to miss the entire 2021 season. He was traded to Cleveland prior to the 2022 season.