The Cleveland Browns put a lot of money and their reputation on the line when they traded for quarterback Deshaun Watson to become the face of their franchise in the wake of rampant sexual misconduct and harassment claims made by over 20 masseuses.
So far, it has not paid off (if it ever really could).
Watson was having a rough 2023 NFL season and had to miss several games due to a rotator cuff strain in his throwing shoulder. Last weekend, he returned to play but left the game in the first quarter after taking a hit from Colts defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and did not come back onto the field.
On the season so far, the Browns are last in the NFL in QBR (33.9) and passer rating (61.0).
Criticism has been coming all season for Watson, who signed a five-year contract worth $230 million fully guaranteed last year when he arrived in Cleveland.
Fox Sports pundit Brady Quinn is the latest sports media figure to call out the quarterback for underperforming, questioning recently on the 2 Pros and a Cup of Joe show whether or not Watson actually wants to give 100% now he’s got a huge contract.
“Everyone with a medical opinion has cleared Deshaun Watson,” said Quinn. “The situation is almost similar to a kid getting a $230 million trust fund. You ask them to get a job and they have no incentive to do it.”
"Everyone with a medical opinion has cleared Deshaun Watson. The situation is almost similar to a kid getting a $230 million trust fund. You ask them to get a job and they have no incentive to do it."
🎙@Brady_Quinn on Deshaun Watson w/@LaVarArrington & @TheJonasKnox pic.twitter.com/Cou8WLGhIQ
— FOX Sports Radio (@FoxSportsRadio) October 23, 2023
That caught the attention of Quincy Avery, Watson’s private quarterbacks coach and oft-public defender.
“Brady, I’m a be real. You don’t know what the **** you are talking bout, and sit behind a microphone gossiping like a little high school chick,” wrote Avery on X.
That set off a back-and-forth between the two.
“Come talk anytime you want in person,” wrote Quinn in response. “Open invitation.”
“I just seen you Saturday,” responded Avery. “I don’t have anything I want to talk to you about. I’m telling you you are talking about things you don’t know. Talking on another man who doesn’t know you is weak.”
“Lol well I didn’t see you…,” added Quinn. And when Avery asked what the Fox Sports radio host’s point was, the former Notre Dame quarterback decided to go nuclear.
How about we massage this conversation and get it to a happy ending? Does that sound satisfactory?
— Brady Quinn (@Brady_Quinn) October 24, 2023
“How about we massage this conversation and get it to a happy ending? Does that sound satisfactory?” he asked.
Rather than keep the fight going with another response, Avery went with the quote-response.
This the joke you was dying to let fly? We can table the convo until I see you in person. https://t.co/8XfUWotEp3
— Quincy Avery (@QuincyAvery) October 24, 2023
And now we wait for Avery and Quinn to run into each other in person and we’ll see how illuminating that conversation becomes.
Meanwhile, the Browns are standing by Watson while he deals with his injuries.
