The NFL has historically been light on crimes against women, which is disgusting. It’s(nfl) tax free status should be removed and players found guilty of crimes against women should be band from the league.
The NFL will go shark teeth against players who gamble on their own approved gaming sites but, will embrace misogynistic monsters.
As a lifelong Cleveland fan, I don't like this move... Even if Watson was morally perfect, the immense risk you take with this move is probably going to cripple the franchise for the next 5 years... The only way this move works out is if Watson takes the browns to the super Bowl, because if he takes them to the AFC championship game that's not enough, Baker had the opportunity to maybe do that himself... Any other scenario is a fail for this trade because you've ham strung the franchise with salary cap problems and if he gets injured especially you can't fill out the roster. This is a terrible move financially, it's a terrible move for PR, and yes, a terrible move for female browns fans.
Brad, you really this this 'works out' if the Browns go the the Super Bowl? To me, that would reinforce the idea that a star athlete can commit numerous crimes against women and get a pass. I want him to fail every step along the way and then get crushed by the lawsuits from all his victims. Then we can see how far his fake degree in 'Communications' works to get him a job. I hope he never takes another snap in the NFL.
I mean it works out for the organization... There's no way to save it ethically at this point... He could be a boy scout the rest of his career I don't think it really matters to the Cleveland fans... They're going to have a hard time embracing him even if he wins I suspect, and rightfully so. However, we do need to be careful... Innocent until proven guilty. I have no idea if he's guilty or innocent but we should be cautious on it. It doesn't help the PR either way honestly. The browns will live to regret this one way or the other I think
Just wonder how his new teammates are going to feel about this deal? Got to believe there are more than a few girl dads involved who won’t be too happy.
It seems irresponsible for a team to bring Watson in with these allegations still pending. Ethics aside this was a horrific business decision, a total panic move from a historically inept franchise.
Two words: Kareem Hunt. Cleveland, and the entire NFL, are not serious about dealing with domestic violence. The league's crocodile tears about the issue simply mask its inability to make necessary changes so no player/coach/front office person treats anyone with such disrespect in the future.
Since he hasn’t been convicted I think he should be eligible to play in the NFL. I wish the owners would demonstrate the grace not to hire him. HATE this move.
Thanks John for once again standing up for what’s right and decent, not just what (may) create wins. The Browns are now on my “never root for” list. Mike in Fairview
I'm not defending Watson, but I'm wondering about one aspect of this case I've heard nothing about. If these assaults took place, as I've been led to believe, in massage parlors, am I wrong in assuming these places have video cameras running 24/7 ?? I'd be amazed if they did not. If that's true one video would prove Watson's guilt no questions asked.
Good article, John. I love watching talented football players but I will root every Sunday against the Browns whether Deshaun plays for them or not. These issues should be 100% settled with all fines and suspensions administered before a player is signed. Once that player has been either been exonerated or done their time, then and only then, if they show remorse, should they by given another chance. I realize innocent until proven guilty but the optics on this are terrible.
You nailed it John. How stupid do the Cleveland Browns think NFL fans are. I have dozens of friends in Cleveland who have supported the Browns through thick and thin (as I have my Bears), this must be excruciating for them. Watson has to be kidding us all. Twenty two independent accusations of similar crimes... and he says they are all bogus. Guess he thinks we are the stupid one. I sure would like to see his test results from college. He allegedly earned a four year degree in Communications in three years while also spending ten months of the year training and playing for a National Championship college program. I simply don't believe him as I have heard him talk many times... no way he earned that degree. The only upside to this is now in addition to cheering on my Bears, I have a villain to cheer against every week.
The Browns went from being a Feel Good story to a Feels Awful story with this one. They did their own 'internal in vestigation'. Wonder if the hired Neil Olshay for that? He's available. Shame on the Browns.
Clearly, I miscalculated regarding my career choices back when I was in high school. I could have gone into professional football and never have had to worry about any missteps derailing my ability to make obscene amounts of money in a very short time, because I could never be as big a sack of steaming crap as this vile example of sapient life. I mean; there was absolutely nobody else they could've thrown hellified jack at to take snaps? I know they weren't exactly on the lookout for citizens, but for god's sake...
The NFL has historically been light on crimes against women, which is disgusting. It’s(nfl) tax free status should be removed and players found guilty of crimes against women should be band from the league.
The NFL will go shark teeth against players who gamble on their own approved gaming sites but, will embrace misogynistic monsters.
Reminiscent of the tone-deaf, single-minded, lack of morals from the Eagles when they gave new life to Michael Vick.
As a lifelong Cleveland fan, I don't like this move... Even if Watson was morally perfect, the immense risk you take with this move is probably going to cripple the franchise for the next 5 years... The only way this move works out is if Watson takes the browns to the super Bowl, because if he takes them to the AFC championship game that's not enough, Baker had the opportunity to maybe do that himself... Any other scenario is a fail for this trade because you've ham strung the franchise with salary cap problems and if he gets injured especially you can't fill out the roster. This is a terrible move financially, it's a terrible move for PR, and yes, a terrible move for female browns fans.
Brad, you really this this 'works out' if the Browns go the the Super Bowl? To me, that would reinforce the idea that a star athlete can commit numerous crimes against women and get a pass. I want him to fail every step along the way and then get crushed by the lawsuits from all his victims. Then we can see how far his fake degree in 'Communications' works to get him a job. I hope he never takes another snap in the NFL.
I mean it works out for the organization... There's no way to save it ethically at this point... He could be a boy scout the rest of his career I don't think it really matters to the Cleveland fans... They're going to have a hard time embracing him even if he wins I suspect, and rightfully so. However, we do need to be careful... Innocent until proven guilty. I have no idea if he's guilty or innocent but we should be cautious on it. It doesn't help the PR either way honestly. The browns will live to regret this one way or the other I think
Fair points.
Just wonder how his new teammates are going to feel about this deal? Got to believe there are more than a few girl dads involved who won’t be too happy.
It seems irresponsible for a team to bring Watson in with these allegations still pending. Ethics aside this was a horrific business decision, a total panic move from a historically inept franchise.
Can the NFL suspend Watson in year 2 of his contract? Wait for the outcome of the civil lawsuits. Donate the year 2 “fine” to charity?
Two words: Kareem Hunt. Cleveland, and the entire NFL, are not serious about dealing with domestic violence. The league's crocodile tears about the issue simply mask its inability to make necessary changes so no player/coach/front office person treats anyone with such disrespect in the future.
Since he hasn’t been convicted I think he should be eligible to play in the NFL. I wish the owners would demonstrate the grace not to hire him. HATE this move.
Thanks John for once again standing up for what’s right and decent, not just what (may) create wins. The Browns are now on my “never root for” list. Mike in Fairview
I'm not defending Watson, but I'm wondering about one aspect of this case I've heard nothing about. If these assaults took place, as I've been led to believe, in massage parlors, am I wrong in assuming these places have video cameras running 24/7 ?? I'd be amazed if they did not. If that's true one video would prove Watson's guilt no questions asked.
Good article, John. I love watching talented football players but I will root every Sunday against the Browns whether Deshaun plays for them or not. These issues should be 100% settled with all fines and suspensions administered before a player is signed. Once that player has been either been exonerated or done their time, then and only then, if they show remorse, should they by given another chance. I realize innocent until proven guilty but the optics on this are terrible.
You nailed it John. How stupid do the Cleveland Browns think NFL fans are. I have dozens of friends in Cleveland who have supported the Browns through thick and thin (as I have my Bears), this must be excruciating for them. Watson has to be kidding us all. Twenty two independent accusations of similar crimes... and he says they are all bogus. Guess he thinks we are the stupid one. I sure would like to see his test results from college. He allegedly earned a four year degree in Communications in three years while also spending ten months of the year training and playing for a National Championship college program. I simply don't believe him as I have heard him talk many times... no way he earned that degree. The only upside to this is now in addition to cheering on my Bears, I have a villain to cheer against every week.
The Browns went from being a Feel Good story to a Feels Awful story with this one. They did their own 'internal in vestigation'. Wonder if the hired Neil Olshay for that? He's available. Shame on the Browns.
Clearly, I miscalculated regarding my career choices back when I was in high school. I could have gone into professional football and never have had to worry about any missteps derailing my ability to make obscene amounts of money in a very short time, because I could never be as big a sack of steaming crap as this vile example of sapient life. I mean; there was absolutely nobody else they could've thrown hellified jack at to take snaps? I know they weren't exactly on the lookout for citizens, but for god's sake...