Deshaun Watson Struggles In First NFL Game Since Suspension

Former Houston Texans and current Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, 27, was suspended for 11 games this NFL season after facing over 20 sexual misconduct lawsuits.

Yesterday, Watson made his return to the NFL in a game against his former team, the Houston Texans, but he clearly struggled on the field.

The 27-year-old quarterback has not played a regular-season NFL game in 700 days due to his suspension after facing over 20 sexual misconduct lawsuits.

When Watson came onto the field prior to the game, he was met with both boo's and cheering from the fans in the stadium.

During the game, it was obvious the quarterback struggled in his return as he went 12 of 22 with 131 passing yards and an interception. Although the Browns ended up winning 27-14, the points scored were thanks to the Browns' special teams and defense.

Watson found wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones three times for 44 yards and wide receiver Amari Cooper four times for 40 yards in the game.

After the game, Watson was interviewed by several reporters regarding his performance against his former team, the Houston Texans.

"I’ll just say I felt every one of those 700 days," Watson said after the game.

Watson was also asked by a reporter in his postgame interview if he felt any remorse for the actions that led to his suspension.

“It’s something that is legal and clinical, we have answered before, and they don’t want me to address anything like that. It was a tough situation, the suspension was tough but at the same time my main focus is we are just trying to be 1-0 as a football player today,” Watson responded.

Deshaun Watson, despite the many allegations against him, was eligible to return to play in the NFL last week with the Cleveland Browns against his former Houston Texans team. The 27-year-old quarterback was also fined $5 million and must undergo a mandatory treatment program prior to his return.

Fans of the NFL and many others claim the suspension is not enough — including attorney Tony Buzbee, who is representing more than 20 of the women with allegations against Watson.

“By settling this matter the way he has, Roger Goodell has proven one of two things: either his recent rhetoric was utter baloney, or his bark is much worse than his bite,” Buzbee said in a statement.

“My belief is that he is nothing more than a paper tiger. The message today to all victims is clear, if you believe you have been sexually assaulted by a powerful person, keep your mouth shut and go away. The NFL has certainly demonstrated that its ownership and the organization doesn’t care. To all sexual assault survivors, do not allow this recent ‘punishment’ to deter you. Keep speaking up and keep speaking out. Your voice matters. You are making a difference. We stand with you.”

One of the lawsuits against Deshaun Watson alleges the current 27-year-old Cleveland Browns quarterback “continually pressured Plaintiff into massaging his private area,” court records state.

“At some point during the massage, Watson removed his towel and offered to let her ‘get on top.’ Plaintiff refused to have sex with Watson, however, he was able to pressure her into oral sex with the Defendant,” the suit continues.

Although two grand juries in Texas declined to pursue criminal charges against Watson, Sue L. Robinson, an independent referee, who was jointly appointed by the NFL and players’ union, found that “the NFL carried its burden to prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that Mr. Watson engaged in sexual assault.”

Robinson went on to state in her report that Watson’s behavior was “egregious” and “predatory.”