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In a story published in the Akron Beacon Journal in March, sports columnist Marla Ridenour outlined her experience as a survivor of sexual assault and her emotions over Deshaun Watson's move to the Cleveland Browns.
Recounting her own experience, Ridenour said she could sympathize with the alleged victims:
“Like many who are victims of sex crimes, I know what it’s like not to be believed.”
Her full article outlining the triggering experience can be found here:
Watson missed the entire 2021 season addressing charges of sexual misconduct against several women. Although it was determined that Watson would not face criminal charges, civil suits are still pending, and Watson's trade to Cleveland has his new fan base divided over his alleged behavior.
Watson's last snap in an NFL game came on January 3, 2021, in a 41-38 loss to the Tennessee Titans. He finished the game 28 of 39 with 365 yards and three touchdowns. But the Houston Texans allowed a 52-yard completion to AJ Brown to set up the game-winning field goal for the Titans, and they ended their season a pedestrian 4-12.
Despite the poor record, Watson was a bright spot on the field. He completed over 70 percent of his passes for 4,800 yards and 33 touchdowns against only seven interceptions. He also added 90 carries for more than 400 yards and three touchdowns. From an on-field perspective, it's easy to see why the Browns were interested.
In March, Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam issued a statement to fans who were sexual abuse victims following the signing, addressing the thoughts that went into the decision:
Deshaun Watson will begin depositions later this week
There is seemingly no end in sight to Watson's legal battles. He is scheduled to testify in more depositions on Friday. As of now, he has only testified in seven of the 22 cases filed against him.
Watson's legal team argues that his new "full-time job in Ohio" makes the depositions difficult to schedule. Both sides have also reportedly agreed not to have a trial during the football season, so this story will be in the news for a while.
In the meantime, it will continue to impact the community. Shortly after Watson's signing, the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center offered support, claiming, "We hear your outrage."
The saying goes that 'winning cures all,' but this may prove an issue some Browns fans are unwilling to look past, regardless of Watson's on-field performance.
Rapper, actor, and lawyer Mekka Don tweeted her thoughts on the signing.
"Honestly I can’t really process this Deshaun Watson thing. As a Browns FOOTBALL fan, it’s obviously great. BUT I believe women…& there are a lot of them. Not being indicted isn’t conclusory. I don’t know how to separate it all…if I should…if I shouldn’t. I just don’t know."
Watson has already arrived in Cleveland for voluntary OTAs and appears ready to take the field at some point in the 2022-23 season.
