The Cleveland Browns Disgrace

Regardless of what happens this week (or next) with Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns have already disgraced themselves and the entire NFL with their shameless behavior and outrageous decisions. They have created an ugly situation, and they have no one to blame but themselves.

To be fair, several other NFL franchises were lined up in pursuit of Watson despite the allegations against him, and most were fully prepared to do whatever they could to win his services. Cleveland went above and beyond to land the quarterback and now seem to be willing to sell their souls to protect and defend him against all opposition. I feel sorry for the fans who are now expected to cheer for a sexual predator to lead them to the “promised land.” Is winning a Super Bowl worth the cost of your integrity and dignity?

Watson had already spurned the Browns and crossed them off his list of possible trade destinations, but instead of giving up, the team went all-in to create an offer he couldn’t refuse. Other NFL owners are apparently not too happy with the eventual deal.  NFL teams take issue with Deshaun Watson's 'rigged' contract: report | Fox News And why would they be? The largest guaranteed contract in league history? Given to the player responsible for the most negative press coverage the league has ever faced?

Let’s consider how they got here.

First, they proclaimed that they had thoroughly researched all the allegations against Watson and were “comfortable enough” with what they had learned to sign him. Of course, they talked mainly to Watson and his own team of attorneys, and hardly anyone else. They didn’t talk to any of his accusers or their lawyer. But we’re supposed to believe that because no criminal charges were filed, he must be innocent, right? Sorry, but if you’ve read any of the statements from the victims, you might feel differently. (Links are available in my previous blog on Watson A Writer's Life: Go (ADWFTH) Texans! (rdperryauthor.blogspot.com)

Next, they offered him more guaranteed money than anyone in the entire NFL! As the contract currently stands, the Browns will pay him $230 million over the next five years. (In case you’re wondering, that’s $79.4 million more than the next highest guaranteed deal.) I guess the poor guy needs all the money he can get to settle all those civil suits (otherwise known as paying off his victims so they will shut up and go away!)

Finally, they structured his contract in a truly creative way to protect him against the NFL suspension we all knew was coming. All within the rules, of course, but an absolute joke. He’s making over $45 million this year, but only $1 million in “actual” salary, so if he misses any games due to suspension, he only loses a fraction of the money he’s really getting from the team. (I hope the NFL adds a monetary fine to the suspension just because of this. They should really find a way to fine the Browns owners! IMHO)

Anyway, whatever happens, the fickle fans will eventually embrace their QB as soon as he starts winning games for them. Sad, but true. But count me out. I won’t be watching!

(Meanwhile, in Hollywood, Ezra Miller is playing Watson’s role disgracing his “team” while Warner Brothers is acting like the Cleveland Browns continuing to fund and support their guy no matter what! Oh well, I’ll save all that for another day.)