Ken Dorsey is excited to collaborate with Deshaun Watson. Deshaun Watson and Ken Dorsey (Image via IMAGO)
Unaware of Watson’s questionable history? During his initial press conference as the new offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, Dorsey disclosed that he had been informed that the Browns quarterback is a person of great character.
Merely two months ago, up until November, Ken Dorsey was part of the Buffalo Bills organization. However, he was relieved of his responsibilities as their offensive coordinator after a mediocre 5-5 start to the season. The Browns announced that they would be bringing in Dorsey as their OC as part of the head coach’s winter overhaul.
On Monday, the 42-year-old faced the press and presented his vision for the team. His eagerness to collaborate with Watson, whose 2023 season was cut short due to shoulder surgery, stems from the fact that Watson is expected to return before the offseason OTA’s.
Dorsey expressed his thoughts on Watson:
However, it was his next statement that suggests he either hasn’t been made aware of the numerous allegations of sexual misconduct against the 28-year-old or has chosen to forget.
He further added:
Browns’ new OC Ken Dorsey on Deshaun Watson: “Based on everything I’ve been told about him, he is a person of exceptional character.” 🤨🧐🤔 pic.twitter.com/Q9qXW3IiCx
The Browns acquired Watson and a 2024 sixth-round pick from the Houston Texans in exchange for first-round picks in 2022, 2023, and 2024, as well as the Browns’ third-round pick in 2023 and fourth-round picks in 2022 and 2024. They also signed the Clemson graduate to a $230 million contract, assuming significant risks.
However, even before the trade, 26 women came forward with serious allegations of sexual harassment against Watson in 2021 and 2022. According to their accounts, Watson would schedule appointments with female massage therapists and then attempt to coerce them into engaging in sexual acts once alone. He would expose his genitals and touch himself in front of the therapists. One of the women even accused him of ejaculating.
Following the surfacing of these allegations, the NFL decided to suspend Deshaun Watson for the entire 2022 regular season and postseason. However, the judge presiding over the case was more lenient. Judge , during the hearing, stated according to the Washington Post:
Ultimately, Watson was required to serve an 11-game suspension, pay a $5 million fine, and undergo treatment. He has only played a few games since then, missing additional games due to injury.