Browns’ QB Deshaun Watson: “I’ve never assaulted any woman”
Associated PressBEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson sat stoically behind the microphone, and for nearly 40 minutes barely talked about football. “I’ve never assaulted or disrespected or harassed any woman in my life,” Watson said. “I’ve never done these things people are alleging.” It was the first time Watson has answered direct questions about the allegations, which first surfaced in March 2021. The team expected a serious backlash, and only felt comfortable in pursuing Watson after a thorough investigation Berry described as a “five-month odyssey.” Berry said the team’s lawyers told the Browns not to talk to the 22 women because it could compromise any investigation. “It’s not something we took lightly.” Dee Haslam said she had multiple conversations with the couple’s daughters during the vetting process, and that ultimately she became agreeable with acquiring Watson after learning more about him.