Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is back in the news for all the wrong reasons.
After a horrible season debut against the Dallas Cowboys in a Week 1 loss, yet another woman credibly accused Watson of sexual assault before an arranged date in 2020.
Those allegations will be litigated by the court of law and the NFL offices. Until then, the Browns are operating under the guise of business as usual, which means Watson is facing local media.
This week, Watson gave a bizarre response to a question about his off-the-field leadership.
“How much of your reputation—you’re a captain—is based on what you do on the field versus off the field?” a reporter asked.
Watson saught clarification on the question before claiming he didn’t understand it.
“I’m trying to figure out what you’re asking,” Watson said. “As far as the off-the-field stuff mixing with the on-the-field stuff?”
The reporter rephrased the simple question for a third time.
“The trust has always been there,” Watson said of his teammates. “… If there’s anything out there, you can go ask any of the guys and they’ll give you an honest answer,” Watson claimed.
The baffling exchange can be seen in the clip provided below:
Watson is asked a basic question about leadership and he sounds like he never heard the word before and his mind is blown… pic.twitter.com/R9XgYecWBC
— Roberto Shenanigans (@Rob_Shenanigans) September 11, 2024
The NFL world was quick to react:
How does he not understand what’s being asked here? https://t.co/Bz2japoWDK
— Well Above Average Coach (@aboveavgcoach) September 12, 2024
Bruh said “when you know my aura” https://t.co/frLa9A5bNm
— B.Scott from Hiram Clarke (@brandonkscott) September 12, 2024
I’m so over this. He’s going to get booed at home more than any other stadium. https://t.co/KfaGZksQ7h
— Turner (@turner_m2) September 11, 2024
#Browns fans have told us for years now that Watson is a leader and respected in the locker room… this answer explains why the Browns are a 🤡organization. #Steelers https://t.co/hhzXTTD8gB
— KJB (@kjbusher) September 12, 2024
Cooked. https://t.co/oV9kE8Qr2x
— Chris (@HoustonDiehards) September 12, 2024
