The Cleveland Browns convulsed the NFL market by reaching an agreement with the Houston Texans to trade quarterback Deshaun Watson in a deal that included, among other considerations three first-round draft picks and negotiating with the passer for a contract unprecedented in NFL history, five years and $230 million, absolutely all of it guaranteed.
However, there is a large portion of the American population outraged by this transaction and it has nothing to do with the level on the gridiron of Watson, who since entering the league in 2017 has become one of the best at his position in the entire NFL, the controversy is over the 22 civil lawsuits that continue to be filed against him for inappropriate sexual behavior.
Deshaun Watson trade outrage
The question that immediately arises is this: What message are the Browns as an organization sending to the women of Cleveland and indeed the rest of the United States by giving virtually what no one else has ever given in both draft picks and guaranteed money for a person who, despite having already been exonerated on criminal charges, has at least a dubious social reputation?
It was in that vein that the team’s owners, Dee and Jimmy Haslam, made their organizational position known when the transfer became official on Sunday.
The Browns owners’ stance
We are acutely aware and empathetic to the highly personal sentiments expressed about this decision
“We spent a tremendous amount of time exploring and investigating the opportunity to trade for Deshaun Watson,” Dee and Jimmy Haslam said. “We are acutely aware and empathetic to the highly personal sentiments expressed about this decision. Our team’s comprehensive evaluation process was of utmost importance due to the sensitive nature of his situation and the complex factors involved. We also understand there are still some legal proceedings that are ongoing and we will respect due process.”
The NFL, on the other hand, has said that even its own investigation, which has been ongoing for more than a year, is still ongoing regarding Watson’s behavior and that, if they find reason to punish the quarterback, they will do so, regardless of the fact that he will now play for his second team as a pro.
Marca
