Concentrate on football.

Sure.

Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns reverted to familiar tactics on Wednesday, as the struggling quarterback faced the press for the first time after a challenging season opener (on the field) and amid new serious allegations in a civil lawsuit (off the field) that has triggered another NFL inquiry.

The 28-year-old Watson adamantly rejected any allegations of misconduct, with his attorney Rusty Hardin stating he “strongly denies the accusations.” This mirrors Watson’s situation in 2022 when he settled with 23 out of 26 accusers claiming misconduct during massage therapy sessions. Additionally, he reached an agreement with the NFL, leading to an 11-game suspension, a $5 million fine, and mandatory treatment.

In 2022, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell remarked that Watson’s actions from fall 2019 to winter 2021 were considered “predatory” even though he hasn’t faced any criminal charges. Should the NFL’s latest investigation find substance in the recent allegations, Goodell will have more details to consider.

This creates quite a distraction. The Browns, led by owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, supported Watson throughout previous controversies, but will now feel renewed pressure regarding the negative perception attached to their franchise’s leader. Coach Kevin Stefanski stated on Wednesday that they didn’t anticipate this latest case, which may be critical if the team attempts to void Watson’s fully guaranteed $230 million contract from the trade with the Houston Texans in 2022, which many view as one of the NFL’s most unfavorable trades.

Watson claimed that he learned about the lawsuit filed in Harris County, Texas, on Monday simultaneously with the public. “I found out just like everyone else,” he mentioned, referring to an alert from his phone. He then contacted his attorneys for clarification.

The suit features a plaintiff identified as Jane Doe, who alleges that Watson assaulted her on October 10, 2020, in her Houston apartment, during the same timeframe as the other alleged incidents involving massage therapy. While Watson claims ignorance of this new allegation, attorney Tony Buzbee – who represented other previous accusers who reached settlements – asserted that efforts to settle out of court were made 10 months ago.

Additionally, Pro Football Talk reports that Buzbee has stated his client is ready to cooperate with the NFL’s investigation and will be available in around two weeks for an interview, which could complicate Watson’s status again under the league’s personal conduct policy.

There you go, NFL. Figure out this situation. As if the incident involving law enforcement and Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill didn’t already overshadow the start of another season, now the league faces yet another prominent issue that could impact its reputation.

Indeed, there are pressing questions. Why was there no criminal complaint? Is the seven-figure settlement demand linked to the previously settled cases? What prompted Watson to agree to meet for dinner the night before a game?

Concentrate on football? It would be nice if it was that easy.

It’s a significant distraction – once again – that surely drains energy from the quarterback and a team eager to improve upon last season’s playoff run.

“I focus on football,” Watson asserted when questioned about the potential distraction. “I concentrate on keeping my priorities straight. When I enter this facility, my goal is to be the best quarterback I can be, to focus on the game plan and improve from last week so that we can secure a win.”

Stefanski emphasized, “We are entirely focused on Jacksonville, completely dedicated to competing against a strong opponent and finding a way to come out with a win.”

While athletes often express that competition serves as an escape during personal crises, it feels patronizing for Watson and the Browns to imply this situation can be easily set aside. This is not a minor personal loss; it’s another allegation that puts the integrity of the franchise’s leader into question, and it undoubtedly requires mental effort to address.

Clearly, there are various matters to discuss privately which the public will not see as the investigation unfolds.

When asked if he anticipated further discussions with Lisa Friel, the NFL’s main investigator, Watson stated, “I haven’t thought about that right now. I’m focusing on Jacksonville, and if that happens whatever I need to do with the Browns or my legal team will occur when the time comes.”

You get what you pay for.

This is a key lesson for the Browns, especially the Haslams, who took the considerable risk of guaranteeing a contract for a quarterback already associated with prior sexual misconduct allegations. After this season, the Browns will still owe him $92 million through 2026, but reports suggest that the contract terms may allow the team to void the guarantees for the last two years (and possibly prior years) if Watson failed to inform them of potential allegations, like the ones that just emerged.

Authorities looked into Watson’s actions and issued penalties, but the new allegations appear to be more of the same, suggesting that the league should have unearthed this new revelation during their earlier investigation. We will have to wait and see.

It’s important to note that when deciding on Watson’s initial six-game suspension from the last investigation (which was later modified following an appeal by the NFL), Robinson, a retired judge appointed by both the league and the players’ union, specifically described Watson’s alleged misconduct as “non-violent sexual conduct.” This time, if the claims in the lawsuit hold true, they likely fall into the realm of “violent” behavior. Additionally, while reaching a settlement with Watson through the NFL Players Association in 2022, the league stated it would not seek any further punishment for incidents similar to those reported by the massage therapists but kept the option open to pursue cases that were fundamentally different — which clearly applies to this new situation.

Since the civil lawsuit has just been filed and the NFL has only begun its investigation, Watson will not be placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List at this time. However, the league’s statement addressing the possibility indicates the seriousness of the situation being evaluated at their Park Avenue offices.

On the field, Watson’s performance has also been a concern. In the over three seasons since the conclusion of the 2020 season, he has appeared in only 13 games. He missed 11 games last season due to a shoulder injury that required surgery. The year before, he was suspended for 11 games. Back in 2021, he didn’t play at all as he was embroiled in a contract dispute with the Texans, during which his off-field controversies came to light, paving the way for his trade to Cleveland.

All this inactivity has left him out of practice. During his team’s heavy defeat against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Watson, playing behind an offensive line plagued by injuries and without key running back Nick Chubb, was pressured into taking six sacks and was hit 17 times. He managed to throw for just 169 yards, scoring one touchdown and throwing two interceptions, resulting in a disappointing passer rating of 51.1.

Now, he faces even more legal challenges on top of this unfavorable situation.

The Browns had high hopes for Watson to guide the team to a long-awaited Super Bowl victory as the franchise quarterback, recalling his previous success as one of the NFL’s standout players with the Texans. This is why they took a gamble on him despite the surrounding drama.

Unfortunately, it seems that the substantial investment made in him may only reveal the hard truth — unless there is a significant change, Watson’s best days might be behind him, firmly sealed during his time in Houston.

Consider the impact of the off-field issues on Watson, who has portrayed himself as a victim. He often speaks of the resilience he built while facing challenges in his youth in Gainesville, Georgia. However, the recent problems seem tied to his decision-making processes and possibly other underlying issues.

Ultimately, the baggage he brought with him from Houston is not an ideal formula for achieving success.

Watson clearly doesn’t view it that way, however.

“I’m not going to sit up here and make excuses for anything that’s happening off the field,” he stated, referring to the factors contributing to his struggles “on the field.”

Sure, that sounds about right. In essence, his focus on football is being pushed to its limits.