Signs attached to Jim Brown statue protest Deshaun Watson's presence on Browns roster
Activists placed signs on the Jim Brown statue outside the Cleveland Browns' stadium to criticize the team for retaining quarterback Deshaun Watson, whose past includes a suspension and allegations of sexual misconduct.
Activists taped protest signs to the statue of Hall of Famer Jim Brown outside the Cleveland Browns' stadium, denouncing the team's decision to keep quarterback Deshaun Watson on the roster. The signs referenced Watson's contract value, the number of alleged victims, and claimed his presence caused lasting harm to the city and franchise.
Coach Todd Monken confirmed on Monday that Watson will start the season, following a preseason loss in which Watson was booed by fans. Watson, returning after a 22-month absence due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, described the booing as a personal attack.
Watson signed a guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract in 2022 and was suspended for the first 11 games of that season after violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy. More than two dozen women have accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions, leading to a $5 million fine and a mandated evaluation before his reinstatement.