Deshaun Watson (QB) is a quarterback who has been both bad since the start of the season and accused of a multitude of sexual assaults over the past three years. So when he seriously injured his Achilles tendon on Sunday, some Browns fans did not hesitate to rejoice in the stands. In audible enthusiasm that irritated some Browns players.
First up is Myles Garrett.
“ The reaction from the fans was harsh”explained the pass rusher to the press. “ Whether it's an opponent or one of our own who gets injured, we don't whistle. We don't whistle at guys who are injured on the field, especially when the stretcher arrives. We should be ashamed of ourselves as Browns and as Browns fans for whistling someone who goes down with an injury that could change their season or career. »
Same story with an angry Greg Newsome.
“It’s bullshit“, the cornerback got carried away. “ I heard straight away. Whatever you think of the player, his performance or not, you don't whistle at a guy on the ground who can't get up on his own. So yeah, it was shit. »
Disgusting: #Browns fans were CHEERING when Deshaun Watson went down with what's believed to be a season-ending injury.
Automatically considered some of the worst fans in sports history. pic.twitter.com/Doryx0MUCI
— Blitz Alerts (@BlitzAlerts) October 20, 2024
Deshaun Watson, model citizen?
Normal reactions. But it’s been a long time since Deshaun Watson was a normal player.
And where things got a little slippery was when Garrett tried to defend his teammate on a human level.
“ The guy isn't perfect. It doesn't need to be. None of us are expected to be perfect. You can't judge him for what he does off the field or on the field. I can't blame him. […] The guy does almost everything right. He was a model citizen in college and in the pros. He plays harder than anyone. He gives everything. He plays at 100 miles an hour. There is a risk of being injured. He took this risk. We must be there for him. We can't judge him for any mistakes he made on the field or anything off the field. »
Jameis Winston (himself accused of sexual assault…) launched into a fiery plea in favor of his teammate. Almost tears in my eyes.
“ I was taught to love no matter the circumstances, especially people who are good to you“Winston began. “ I am grateful to have had the chance to serve Deshaun, but I am very upset about the reaction to a man who has had the world against him for the last four years. »
Even LeBron James, supporter of the Browns when he does not support the Cowboys, went there with his message.
“ Cleveland fans! You know what we have experienced over the years, the good, the bad and the indifference. But once we've said that, it's NAZE to whistle at someone who is injured on the ground, let alone one of your own players!!! Thanks to those who didn't. »
For clarification, Watson had already been whistled during his presentation on the field a few minutes earlier. Proof that the relationship with the public was already very compromised.
Perhaps because fans have reached the saturation point of seeing their team associated with a player who has settled more than twenty civil sexual assault charges, and who still remains implicated in two proceedings. Perhaps because this player will put a huge burden on his team's finances with the biggest contract in the NFL. And maybe because this player was never good enough on the pitch to make them forget all that.
The Deshaun Watson intro went well… pic.twitter.com/zTP5GzdKqa
— Cody Suek (@CodySuek) October 20, 2024
