Understanding Deshaun Watson's lawsuit, and what's next for the Browns QB

Cover 2 - A Podcast on the Cleveland Browns

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s legal situation is as complicated as he is talented.

Acquired earlier this year in a blockbuster deal with the Houston Texans, Watson thus far has had more depositions than practices with the Browns.

Watson’s case took a turn last week. The 26-year-old quarterback is being sued by 22 women for accused sexual misconduct during massage sessions that took place in 2020 and 2021. During a pretrial deposition last week, one of the encounters with a massage therapist reportedly ended with the woman crying. Watson followed up the incident by texting the woman an apology, according to her attorney.

Given the serious nature and the sheer volume of alleged incidents, it can be difficult to parse out fact from fiction from Browns follower fanaticism.

To help clear things up, the Cover 2 podcast with Nate Ulrich and Dan Kadar brought in special guest Brent Schrotenboer from USA TODAY. Brent has closely covered Watson’s case for USAT and broke down what everything means, the most significant developments in the case and where the potential for more lawsuits or criminal complaints stands.

Whether Watson’s legal issues continue or they conclude, the NFL will ultimately have to make a decision on disciplining the three-time Pro Bowler.

As Nate points out, there are four ways the NFL could go in its discipline of Watson. But beyond that, it’s murky.

“They are in uncharted waters in terms of what the suspension should be,” Schrotenboer said on the podcast when it comes to the league’s decision.

(Editor’s note: At one point Harrison County is mentioned during the podcast. It is Harris County.)