Deshaun Watson responds to Browns fans after being booed: ‘It’s disrespectful’
Watson, after going 5 of 12 for 36 yards and an interception during Cleveland’s 31-7 loss to the BillsHe decided to go on the offensive when asked about the boos.
“I think everyone knows it has nothing to do with performance,” Watson said. “It’s a little more personal than that. So I think it’s kind of disrespectful.”
To make his point, Watson noted that Saturday was not the first time he felt the wrath of Browns fans. He added that opposing fans treat him better.
“The last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles tendon. The same fans applauded when I got hurt,” he said. “What does that have to do with performance? When a person gets hurt, especially in your home stadium, and they cheer you on.”
Watson said his experiences with Browns fans are generally only negative whether on social media or during home games. He hoped the situation regarding his treatment by fans would be better given his involvement in the city and after working to get back in position to compete to be the Browns’ starting quarterback.
“I thought being out for two years and recovering from two Achilles injuries and putting in the time and being in the facility, being in the city, doing charity work in the city, supporting the Cleveland Browns, hanging out with the fans every time I see them, being honest, being the type of person I know I am and the character would help,” he said. “And I guess not. That’s why I say it’s personal. So it is what it is. People have their own opinions. There’s a lot you can do to change that. So at the end of the day, I just have to keep working at it and strive to be better mentally moving forward.”
Saturday was a continuation of the downward spiral that has been Watson’s career, especially since arriving in Cleveland in 2022. A three-time Pro Bowler with the Texans, injuries and inconsistent play have plagued Watson during his time with the Browns. He is 9-10 as the Browns’ starting quarterback with just 19 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a mediocre 61.2% completion percentage.
Adding to the frustration that has been Watson’s story in Cleveland is the amount of capital the Browns spent to get him. They sent Houston six draft picks that included three consecutive first-round picks, in addition to signing Watson to a record five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract. It is without a doubt one of, if not the… worst transactions in sports history.
There’s also the fact that the Browns traded for Watson even though he had already been sued by more than two dozen massage therapists for sexual harassment and sexual assault (in 2022, it was announced that 20 of the 24 women who sued Watson had reached confidential settlements). Watson’s time in Cleveland began when he served an 11-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
Adding to Watson’s plight, the fact that he’s running against the immensely popular Sanders doesn’t help his cause. Sanders, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, was 9 of 11 for 74 yards with a touchdown and an interception against the Bills. Sanders also shined during his postgame press conference when asked about fans’ treatment of Watson.
“I think we all need to understand that we’re all human,” he said. “I don’t really do things to humans that I wouldn’t want done to me… Just for our fans, I appreciate you all showing up and everything. No matter how you feel about the situation, about Deshaun, think that it’s more about a bigger purpose than just respect. Respect that I feel like should be there. Because we’re trying to do the best we can and trying to serve the franchise the best way we can. We’re going to go out to every game and do everything we can. I don’t really appreciate that.”
As noted above, Watson didn’t do himself any favors during or after Saturday’s game. And while it seems like his time in Cleveland is destined to be remembered as an epic disappointment, Watson remains optimistic that there is light at the end of the tunnel in terms of his playing career.
“I don’t regret anything in my life,” he said. “I believe the Lord puts you in situations for a reason. I don’t regret anything at all. I had different thoughts about how it was going to be, but it is what it is. Sometimes things change and I’m patient enough, because I’m a child of God, to wait for that change. So I don’t stumble.”
