Long awaited conclusion to Deshaun Watson’s suspension story is out. And simultaneously there is news out about “how he would get future massages for any soft-tissue injuries.” Which got NFL twitter chattering and giggling.
First, the context. The following tweet was put out by Ari Meirov, and started off in a very standard manner.
#Browns GM Andrew Berry said the team put together a plan as soon as they traded for Deshaun Watson about how he would get future massages for any soft-tissue injuries.
He did not specify if they are male or female. Owner Jimmy Haslam said the therapists will be team-approved.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 18, 2022
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But soon enough, it is clear why there is a discussion about this issue at this time. Brilliantly timed, and aptly worded, this tweet is a very bright picture of the powerful communication channels these NFL teams have. And with the billions on the line, why wouldn’t they?
Read More: $5 Million & 11 Games Is the Cost Deshaun Watson Would Have to Pay for Playing in the NFL
It is interesting though, that if we’re talking about selling a narrative or an arc, the NFL does it best. Whether it is the fierce rivalry of Coach & Quarterback in Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.
Or Aaron Rodgers eccentric personality with immense talent. Or how the Dallas Cowboys are the richest losing franchise in the world. NFL has some insane story lines.
Twitter Reacts to GM Berry Making Deshaun Watson’s Future Massages’ Plan Clear
Now if these stories birthed the creative fans or vice versa is too deep and introspective a question. Let us focus on how creatively the NFL world has taken to this well-timed news piece:
This is actually comical guys so bad they had to make a plan as soon as they made the trade and didn’t see any issue w that
— permanent josh allen fan (@bakermayfiold) August 18, 2022
Mr Permanent Josh Allen Fan puts it pretty aptly about how absurd the whole thing sounds. Yet, seems necessary for the Browns to make it clear.
Another interesting point was made by this user:
Massages so so so important no other way of treating injuries tbh
— Spencer N. Schultz (@ravens4dummies) August 18, 2022
Can’t imagine another way honestly.
And this user with a solution oriented mindset, giving free recommendations to multi millionaires:
I think $200 million guaranteed should be able to get you one of these pic.twitter.com/Usb4ErTDVe
— backseat jimmy (@backwardsjimmy) August 18, 2022
And nothing is complete without a good meme from the Office:
That massage therapist pic.twitter.com/GSXw3zD4Tg
— Hugh Janus (@hughjanus978) August 18, 2022
Some wordplay for the uninitiated:
It's the hard-tissue injuries that are the issue.
— Artist Formerly Known As Whoopty-Hell (@FanoftheLand13) August 18, 2022
The term “team-approved” ignited many. many doubts and assumptions about Deshaun Watson:
A live look at the Browns front office picking out the new “team approved” masseuses. pic.twitter.com/abbCZ0bY96
— Jeff Arndt (@Jeff_Arndt18) August 18, 2022
Or, this one might interest you:
— The Thrill. (@itsthethrill) August 18, 2022
NFL Fans get as creative as possible. There are some other reactions to this news that garner a view. Please go check Ari Meirov’s Twitter for more.
Cleveland Owner Defends Deshaun Watson Getting Second Chance
Jimmy Haslam who has found himself in the middle of a seemingly $230 million debacle, said some affirmative things about Watson being 26-Year-Old and “hella of a football player.”
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
And as per Meirov, he also said, “I think in this country, people deserve second chances. Is he never supposed to play again? Is he no longer supposed to be part of society? That’s what we’re going to do. We gave Kareem Hunt a second chance and that worked out pretty well.”
And:
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Jimmy Haslam: “You can say that’s because he’s a star quarterback. Well of course, but if he was Joe Smith, he wouldn’t be in the headlines every day. We think people deserve a second chance.” https://t.co/sapRlamIGB
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 18, 2022
Deshaun Watson will play this season and his first game will be against his former team, the Houston Texans. But for the first 11 weeks Cleveland will have to hold their own with backups. And if lucky they’ll trade for a stable Veteran on his way out in the near future. What do you think Browns’ record will look like?
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