Deshaun Watson still isn’t talking about what led to his suspension

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson spoke to the media for the first time since returning form suspension, but he wold only answer football-related questions.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was suspended for 11 games this season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, stemming from civil lawsuits for sexual assault and misconduct alleged by over two dozen women. Even with the 11-game suspension, Watson needed to meet requirements to return. He did so and is now set to make his season debut with the Browns this Sunday, as they face his former team in the Houston Texans.

On Thursday, Watson spoke to the media for the first time since returning from his suspension. But in the press conference, Watson would only respond to football-related questions, citing clinical and legal reasons.

“I understand that you guys have a lot of questions,” Watson said, h/t Jake Trotter of ESPN. “But with my legal team and my clinical team, there’s only football questions I can really address at this time.”

Deshaun Watson deflects questions related to suspension, treatment

The Browns received plenty of backlash over trading for Watson and giving him a five-year, $230 million contract extension. That deal was fully guaranteed, which only added to the backlash, especially when looking at the allegations and lawsuits he faced.

Prior to his suspension, Watson denied any wrongdoing when asked about the civil lawsuits he has faced from various massage therapists, claiming that he never assaulted anyone.

At the time of the announcement of his suspension, ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that he needed to “comply with eval and treatment recommendations of a third-party behavioral expert” to return from suspension. Watson also paid a $5 million fine.

Watson has two civil lawsuits remaining, as he settled 23 of them earlier this year.

In his absence, the Browns had Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterback. Brissett led the team to a 4-7 record, including a Week 12 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now, he will head back to the bench for Watson, who makes his return from suspension to face his former team.

Those who were looking for further answers from Watson regarding his suspension are likely not happy that he only answered football-related questions.