Deshaun Watson has been in the center of the NFL media in the last month for all the wrong reasons. As a reminder, the Cleveland Browns quarterback was accused by more than 20 women of sexual assault. As a result, Watson was suspended by the NFL 11 games and handed a $5 million fine.

Watson's reinstatement in the league after his initial 11-game suspension hinges on a third-party assessment of his behavior. According to NFL senior adviser Rita Smith, though, the Browns QB's statements show a disturbing lack of self-reflection. According to her, Watson seems to not think that he did anything wrong. (via Cleveland.com)

“I feel like he’s (Browns QB Watson) playing us. He’s saying exactly what he thinks he needs to say to get on the field again. He’s not thinking strategically at all about ‘Did I cause harm to other people?’ He’s not questioning any of his behaviors at all. He’s absolutely certain from that last statement ‘I’ve done nothing wrong. This is all about people trying to get at me, and I just want to go play ball.’”

Article Continues Below
Related News
Paul Skenes, Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Kyle Tucker, Juan Soto, Bobby Witt Jr., Gunnar Henderson, Ronald Acuna Jr. all together with Commissioners Trophy (World Series Trophy) front and center.
ChatGPT predicts who will win the next 10 World SeriesBailey Bassett ·
Francisco Lindor, Ronald Acuña Jr, and Cal Raleigh
2025 MLB Power Rankings, Vol. 11: A Memorial Day check-inChristopher Hennessy ·
Baltimore Orioles players celebrate after a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
MLB rumors: The Cubs coach on Orioles’ radarBenjamin Adducchio ·
A Major League Baseball sits on the turf before a game between the Athletics and San Francisco Giants the at Oracle Park.
MLB rumors: 7 top trade targets for teams ‘scrambling’ to upgrade bullpenBenjamin Adducchio ·
May 1, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) circles the bases on a solo home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
MLB rumors: Phillies, Yankees, Dodgers named as Cubs’ biggest Kyle Tucker competitionMike Gianakos ·
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) looks on against the Philadelphia Phillies in the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park.
MLB rumors: Exec ponders bonkers Red Sox-Pirates Paul Skenes tradeZachary Weinberger ·

It's easy to see where Smith is coming from with her assessment of Watson. After apologizing on live television, the Browns QB vehemently stood his ground on his innocence. This is despite the NFL committee determining that Watson engaged in predatory behavior, hence his suspension from the league.

The Browns will need to play without Deshaun Watson for the first 11 games of the season. During that time, Watson will be mandated to attend a treatment program for his behavior. While that's a good move on paper for the NFL, it all ultimately depends on Watson's personal assessment of his actions.