Deshaun Watson returned to the NFL and helped put his previous franchise, the Houston Texans, to the sword. The Cleveland Browns got what they asked for. A quarterback who can win them games regularly. But not everyone is happy with the situation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
A female ESPN presenter could not hold back her tears while discussing the return of Watson to the football field. The new Browns signal caller played his first game in nearly two years due to sexual misconduct charges.
Samantha ponder breaks down
ESPN’s Samantha Ponder broke down on air while she was discussing the return of Deshaun Watson to the NFL on Sunday. She said she has always considered Watson as a friend and has known him since his freshman year. But those feelings are irrelevant as “I have absolutely no clue what this man has done in private,” the broadcaster added.
“There have been star quarterbacks accused of criminal behavior before, accused of inappropriate acts, but not like this. This isn’t he said, she said. It’s he said, they all said,” she said on ESPN’s NFL Countdown show.
Ponder pointed out that over two dozen women have accused Watson of misconduct.
ESPN’s Samantha Ponder crying over the return of #Browns QB Deshaun Watson pic.twitter.com/SbeAeSyibG
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) December 4, 2022
“This isn’t about admitting mistakes and promising to do better. We’re all flawed, and we shouldn’t require more out of a ball player than we do ourselves. What this is about, whether or not Deshaun Watson is a serial sexual abuser,” Ponder added.
Watson faced several civil lawsuits as well as investigations from Houston police and the NFL. While a jury cleared him of criminal charges and he settled most of the lawsuits against him, the NFL suspended him for 11 games.
A dramatic Deshaun Watson return
Amid all the allegations and objections, Deshaun Watson made a dramatic return to the NFL field. As if to just add to the drama, his first game in the Browns jersey turned out to be against his old franchise, the Texans. And Watson made sure to announce his arrival in the NFL again.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The new Browns QB took over from Jacoby Brissett, who had guided the team to a shock win over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And he really built on the win.
Watson did not post any impressive stats as he just threw 131 yards in the game without a touchdown. But a win in the first game after almost two years does mean something.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Browns suddenly find themselves on a winning streak after a lot of initial struggles. This was just the fifth win for the franchise this season. They are third on the AFC North table and will rely on Watson for the future. But will he ever really get out of the shadow of his past?
Watch This Story: Deshaun Watson stinks up the field with a forgettable performance in his first Browns appearance