Aug 5, 2024; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during practice at the Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
ArticlesNFLBy Qwame Skinner on

The Cleveland Browns season got off to a miserable start Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. The Browns struggled in every phase of the game, but nobody looked more out of place than quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Browns passer went an awful 24-for-45 and 169, with two interceptions. 

The Browns have been largely disappointed in Watson’s performance since trading for him with the Houston Texans, but now there are off-the-field concerns as well. Via the NFL’s official site, Watson was named in a new civil suit and is accused of sexual assault and battery.

NFL spokesperson Brian Mccarthy released a statement on the league’s stance on Tuesday.

“We are reviewing the complaint, and we will look into the matter under the personal conduct policy.”

NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, who reported on Watson’s new civil lawsuit, reported on Tuesday that the NFL has decided not to put the quarterback on the exempt list because there have not been any criminal charges filed, and the league’s review into the situation is in its early stages.

Fans around the league took to social media to weigh in on the league’s decision.

People were interested in these podcasts
Discover more podcasts →
Play Episode
61min
The Play-By-Play
Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and Jason Kelce debut; Colt McCoy has rough broadcast
On the latest episode of The Play-By-Play, Awful Announcing's Brendon Kleen and Ben Axelrod discuss the Fox broadcasting debut of Tom Brady, the ESPN debut of Jason Kelce, Bill Belichick's numerous appearances. The guys also discuss the changes on "The NFL Today," Greg Olsen's pivot to the No. 2 Fox NFL broadcast booth, and Colt McCoy's rough broadcast.Time Stamps:-1:47: Tom Brady broadcast booth review-18:51: Bill Belichick analysis review-28:19: Jason Kelce “Monday Night Countdown” review-33:52: “The NFL Today” getting younger-36:04: Praise for Mike Greenberg hosting “Sunday NFL Countdown”-38:14: Greg Olsen with Joe Davis as Fox’s No. 2 NFL booth-39:34: Colt McCoy-45:14: “Out of the Darkness”-53:09: ESPN/NFL Media equity talks are offYou can subscribe to The Play-By-Play wherever podcasts are found. Please subscribe, rate and review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Play-By-Play
A mega Tom Brady NFL announcing check in with Awful Announcing's Sean Keeley
Tom Brady is 13 weeks in his NFL broadcasting career, and did his first Thanksgiving game. How is Brady doing? Has he improved? How long will he continue broadcasting? Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod, Brendon Kleen, and Sean Keeley discuss these topics and more on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play.Time Stamps:-1:18: Tom Brady on Thanksgiving Fox broadcast-30:28: Azeez Al-Shaair’s hit on Trevor Lawrence-40:03: Ryan Day and Ohio State-50:44: Matt Eberflus and the Chicago Bears-57:23: Stugotz’s new book-59:32: Kai Cenat’s Twitch subathon-1:03:58: Fran BrownYou can subscribe to The Play-By-Play wherever podcasts are found. Please subscribe, rate and review!Download The Play-By-Play:Listen on AppleListen on SpotifyAwful Announcing on XAwful Announcing on FacebookAwful Announcing on InstagramAwful Announcing on ThreadsAwful Announcing on BlueSkyAwful Announcing on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Play-By-Play
Looking ahead at 2025 in sports media with AA head Ben Koo
As we enter 2025, we take a look at some sports media storylines in the next year. Awful Announcing publisher Ben Koo discusses those topics with Play-By-Play hosts Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen.Time Stamps:-1:29: College football changes-14:19: Social media and sports-29:25: NBA and their new media partners-39:31: UFC media rights-50:08: Launch of ESPN Flagship-1:01:22: Where does Bill Simmons go?-1:02:54: Where does Colin Cowherd go?-1:07:35: Stephen A. Smith’s new ESPN contract-1:12:03: How long does Tom Brady last at Fox?-1:12:24: Top ESPN NBA booth in 2025-26?-1:14:50: Bold predictions for 2025You can subscribe to The Play-By-Play wherever podcasts are found. Please subscribe, rate and review!Download The Play-By-Play:Listen on AppleListen on SpotifyAwful Announcing on XAwful Announcing on FacebookAwful Announcing on InstagramAwful Announcing on ThreadsAwful Announcing on BlueSkyAwful Announcing on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Play-By-Play
Drew Brees on ESPN, Dave Portnoy feuds with Zach Bryan, Chris Vannini joins us
Drew Brees makes a surprise appearance on "Monday Night Countdown." Dave Portnoy drops multiple diss tracks on Country music star Zach Bryan. Awful Announcing's Ben Axelrod and Brendon Kleen discuss these topics and more, as The Athletic's Chris Vannini joins us on the latest episode of The Play-By-Play.Time Stamps:-:54: Drew Brees shows up on “Monday Night Countdown”-20:31: Chris Vannini comes on The Play-By-Play-58:46: Dave Portnoy vs. Zach Bryan-1:04:26: Sports podcast monologuesYou can subscribe to The Play-By-Play wherever podcasts are found. Please subscribe, rate and review!Download The Play-By-Play:Listen on AppleListen on SpotifyAwful Announcing on XAwful Announcing on FacebookAwful Announcing on InstagramAwful Announcing on ThreadsAwful Announcing on BlueSkyAwful Announcing on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All eyes will be on Cleveland, as the league and the Browns decide how to handle Watson’s latest situation.

 

About Qwame Skinner

Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. At Next Impulse, Qwame covers sports with the same enthusiasm he brings to his recreational basketball and softball leagues.

View all posts by Qwame Skinner