(Reuters) – The Cleveland Browns have acquired quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans, saying on Sunday they’d executed their due diligence in signing the 26-year-old who has been accused of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct.
More than 20 ladies had come ahead final 12 months and filed lawsuits towards Watson, who was additionally investigated by the NFL for allegations they described as “deeply disturbing”.
A Texas grand jury declined to indict the quarterback this month.
Watson had signed a four-year, $156 million contract extension with the Texans in 2020 however requested a commerce final January and didn’t play final season.
“We spent an amazing period of time exploring and investigating the chance to commerce for Deshaun Watson,” Browns house owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam stated in a press release.
“We are acutely conscious and empathetic to the extremely private sentiments expressed about this resolution. Our staff’s complete analysis course of was of utmost significance because of the delicate nature of his scenario and the complicated components concerned.
“We additionally perceive there are nonetheless some authorized proceedings which can be ongoing and we are going to respect due course of.”
Watson nonetheless faces civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct. He has denied the allegations.
ESPN reported Watson would signal a five-year, $230 million contract. Watson posted a picture of himself sporting the Browns uniform on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CbQg458uuqC, saying: “Let’s go, able to work!”.
“Our group did an amazing quantity of background on Deshaun,” Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski stated.
“We perceive the considerations and questions that exist however are assured within the in depth work… (our) employees have executed to really feel assured about him becoming a member of our group.”
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru, enhancing by Ed Osmond)
