Deshaun Watson made ‘progress’ in the mandatory treatment program after suspension, but full rehabilitation ‘could take a while’ as he prepares to return to the field vs. Texans
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Ahead of his return to the field, Deshaun Watson has reportedly made ‘signs of progress’ since being suspended over sexual misconduct allegations, sources said. ESPN.
Watson missed the Browns’ first 11 games of the season after being accused of sexual harassment and assault during massage therapy sessions by more than two dozen women.
As part of the conditions he had to meet to return to the field, the former Texan quarterback was forced to undergo a mandatory treatment program.
And he’s reportedly making progress on the job so far, according to NFL and NFLPA experts.
“He’s making good progress and he wants to continue with it, and they feel it’s helping him,” a source connected to the program told ESPN.
“It just goes on when it’s needed and it goes on until it’s no longer needed. And I think it has given him a lot of help and support. But this may take a while.’
Deshaun Watson will start for the Browns this week after serving an 11-game suspension
The ESPN report noted that there is “no end date in sight” for Watson’s participation in the program.
Ahead of this weekend’s game against the Texans, Watson told reporters at a Thursday news conference that his legal and clinical teams had advised him to only handle “football questions.”
“I focus on football,” he said. “My main focus is on the game plan and trying to execute and making sure I keep the level up for the Cleveland Browns so we can try and win.”
Watson did not answer non-football questions after receiving legal advice
Watson spent four seasons with the Texans before being traded by the franchise in March
Watson agreed to the long-term suspension, a $5 million fine, and professional counseling and therapy after an independent arbitrator ruled that he had violated the league’s personal conduct policy.
Watson settled with 23 of the women who sued him over the allegations. Two lawsuits are still pending.
He has always maintained that he did not harass or force women. Two Texas grand juries declined to indict him over the charges.
Watson last played on January 3, 2021 – 700 days since Sunday – and spent four seasons with the Texans until he was traded to Cleveland last season.
