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One of the most talented but also most controversial quarterbacks in the NFL: Deshaun Watson
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Paul Sancya / dpa
Money can't measure what the Cleveland Browns are risking for Deshaun Watson to be their quarterback in the NFL next season.
Although the Browns throw that at the 26-year-old.
Watson's signing is likely to have a cost for the Browns that goes beyond money.
Watson is accused of sexually abusing women during massages.
22 women, to be exact.
He faces so many civil lawsuits in the United States.
The ESPN portal describes the allegations against Watson in a chronology.
Watson is said to have ejaculated on masseuses and forced women to perform oral sex.
The quarterback is said to have built a network of more than 50 masseuses via social media.
He asked for discretion, as one of the women told Sports Illustrated, and to be allowed to use the back entrance of the practice, then to expose himself to the women.
Watson denies the allegations.
Last week, hours before the NFL transfer window opened, a Texas grand jury ruled not to prosecute the case due to lack of evidence.
Watson invoked the Fifth Amendment and remained silent, his lawyers said there were only a few sexual but consensual "activities" and that Watson did "not a single thing" wrong.
Sporty complete
Although the grand jury's decision to dismiss a criminal trial won't affect the outcome of the 22 women's civil claims for damages, their attorneys said, it opened the door for Watson back into the NFL.
And she opened up a real run on the quarterback.
Previously, no club wanted to take the risk that a possible prison sentence would entail.
The financial risk mind you.
But quarterbacks that could potentially take a franchise to the Super Bowl are rare.
Not to mention quarterbacks who are also willing to leave their team because it didn't seem strong enough to win the Super Bowl.
All of this applied to Watson.
He's one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, whether it's his arm or his barrel: He's a complete playmaker.
Accordingly, Watson was already one of the most sought-after players last year after falling out with the Houston Texans and forcing a change.
Then the allegations came to light.
$230 million guaranteed
This spring, the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints are said to have been interested. According to media reports, every team without a superstar in the playmaker position asked about Watson.
That drove up the price, and in the end the Browns paid the Texans three first-round picks, among other things.
And Watson?
He earns $230 million with the Browns over the next five years, guaranteed - no bonuses, no clauses.
Even megastar Patrick Mahomes didn't get that.
$230 million for a player who didn't play for a year because he wanted to force a change.
$230 million for a player who currently has nothing to fear under criminal law, but who does face disciplinary action from the league itself.
Watson faces suspension
The NFL has created its own code of conduct for its players that goes beyond convictions.
Physical violence will be punished with bans.
In 2018, quarterback Jameis Winston, then still at Tampa Bay, was banned for three games for allegedly grabbing an Uber driver in the crotch.
The league also launched an internal investigation into Watson and said it was ongoing despite the grand jury's decision.
Until then, Watson can play for the Browns.
One of your favorites at the push of a button
In terms of sport, one could describe the obligation as logical.
With Watson, the already strong Browns, who haven't been in the final since 1964, are a co-favorite for the Super Bowl and the title in the NFL at the push of a button.
Still, it's amazing that the franchise has committed Watson despite 22 civil lawsuits.
With the contract structure, they accommodate his situation, the first year he only gets a million dollars, which he would lose in the event of a ban.
There is also a rumored instant bonus of 45 million dollars for the signature.
And once again, the NFL is arguing about whether a return to sporting normality can be possible in such a confused and legally difficult situation.