Cleveland Browns are waiting on the NFL’s verdict
One Cleveland Brown player admitted the team is anxious while waiting for the NFL’s verdict on Deshaun Watson. Watson, in his first year with the Browns, came to the team under controversial circumstances. The NFL is investigating Watson for alleged multiple acts of sexual misconduct. He was accused while being a member of the Houston Texans.
Watson settled with 20 of his accusers earlier this year, but other accusers have not settled. The current allegations have been handled via civil suits, and Watson has not been indicted by a criminal court. The NFL however, is doing its own investigation. It’s possible the NFL could suspend Watson in 2022.
Watson signed a 5-year, $230 million contract this offseason. It was going to be a challenge for the Browns to transition the quarterback room before the added drama of not knowing if Watson will play this season. Former Browns starting uaretback Baker Mayfield, feeling disrespected, wants a trade.
Cleveland Browns running back says team is anxious
The situation could cause fractions in any locker room. Kareem Hunt, running back for the Browns, told reporter Ashley Bastock with Cleveland.com that the team is feeling the effects of the drama. Here’s what Bastock wrote:
“Yeah, it’s definitely stressful for them,” he said. “It’s tough because they’re trying to figure out what pieces they’ve got for the season and what plays they want to put it. You know, there’s different plays for Deshaun and (backup) Jacoby (Brissett), different playbook, different things we can do at quarterback.”
Hunt said he and Watson have gotten a chance to discuss the process of waiting for a league suspension. Three years ago, Hunt was given an eight-game suspension of his own for an altercation with a woman in the hallway of his downtown Cleveland apartment building,“Yeah, we talked a little bit, for sure,” Hunt said. “I’m going to keep it between us, but, yeah. It’s a lot, so I just wish him the best, tell him to keep his head up and hopefully things work out.”
The Browns should know where Watson stands with his possible suspension by the time training camp starts. Enough practices will happen during that time for the Browns to get the plays down that they need to for the regular season.
