Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson spoke at a press conference about the accusations against him and stated that he is innocent. He also stressed that he wants to clear his name. Browns GM Andrew Barry also commented on the Watson case.

Munich – Deshaun Watson announced in a press conference that he does not want to settle the 22 active civil lawsuits that are pending against him due to sexual allegations.

Instead, he said, the Cleveland Browns playmaker wants to keep fighting to clear his name. Watson made the following comments, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter:

“I understand these allegations are serious. I never assaulted a woman. I never disrespected a woman. I was raised to be honest and respect everyone around me. I have never done the things that these people claim. “

No charges against Watson yet

The 26-year-old has been accused of sexual harassment by several women. Most recently, however, two grand juries acquitted him and accordingly did not bring any charges against the ex-Houston Texans quarterback

At the same press conference, general manager Andrew Barry of Watson’s new team, the Cleveland Browns, was asked if he was confident in his innocence. Berry responded that “we have faith in the person of Deshaun Watson. “

Browns: No talking to accusers

Berry’s statement, however, doesn’t mean the Browns don’t think Watson did something wrong. Especially since it has now also come out that neither the Browns, nor independent investigators for the franchise, have spoken to any of the 22 accusing women.

Speaking to “ESPN,” Berry said only that investigators had been given an overall review of the cases, not that any of the women had been spoken to.

Watson’s future still open

The Cleveland Browns do not seem to be 100 per cent convinced of Watson’s innocence. Nevertheless, the team wants to start the season with Watson as the starter.