Protesters Target Jim Brown Statue Over Watson's $230 Million Browns Role
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Aug 26
Protesters Target Jim Brown Statue Over Watson's $230 Million Browns Role
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Aug 26
Summary
Signs criticizing Deshaun Watson were taped to Jim Brown's statue outside Cleveland's stadium after the Browns confirmed Watson will open the season as starting quarterback.
One sign read "$280,000,000 27+ Victims Zero Supporters," while another called Watson's presence "Permanent Damage To The City & Franchise"; Browns staff later removed them.
Watson's return has sharpened tensions after he was booed during Saturday's 31-7 preseason loss to Buffalo, his first game in 22 months following a ruptured Achilles.
The backlash traces to Watson's 2022 arrival on a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal; he was suspended 11 games after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual misconduct.