Sexual abuse allegations: Footballer Watson returns after suspension and is booed

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Deshaun Watson

Photo: Eric Christian Smith / dpa

The Cleveland Browns got their fifth win of the season in quarterback Deshaun Watson's comeback, but mainly benefited from other parts of the team.

700 days after his previous NFL game, Watson, who had been suspended for eleven games because of allegations of abuse, remained without a touchdown pass in the 27:14 against his former club Houston Texans on Sunday.

The Browns scored their three own touchdowns after intercepting balls through their defense.

In a duel with his former team, Watson made 12 of his 22 pass attempts to a teammate and threw for a total of just 131 yards.

One of his passes was intercepted.

"They should boo"

The US professional league had increased a suspension for Watson from six to eleven games in mid-August because the 27-year-old is said to have arranged massages with numerous women between March 2020 and March 2021 –

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filed a lawsuit.

There was also a $5 million fine.

After signing jerseys for Texans and Browns fans and taking photos before the game, Watson was met with boos early in the game.

'Let them boo.

I'm a Cleveland Brown now," said Watson, who previously played his last NFL game on Jan. 3, 2021.

Watson was not used by the Texans last season because of the allegations.

Despite all the allegations, the Browns had given him a record contract.

$230 million, five-year term, every penny guaranteed, even in the event of injury or suspension.

"We're happy that Deshaun can play for us," Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said before the game against the Texans.

In civil terms, 23 of the cases have now been compared with the women whom Watson is said to have booked for massages and then abused with touching, undressing and sexual acts.

Watson himself had always denied all allegations.

ngo/AP/dpa