Cleveland Browns latest Deshaun Watson decision is absolutely classless

Deshaun Watson enters a critical first full season as Cleveland Browns starter as a team captain. Yes, Kevin Stefanski and Cleveland are going all-in on Watson, despite some of the public outcry about acquiring him in the first place.

Watson was suspended for the first 11 games of last season due to dozens of sexual assault allegations. While the majority of those have been settled, it was a relative surprise that Cleveland gave Watson a league-record contract in fully-guaranteed money (at the time). By making him team captain, the Browns are doubling down on a questionable choice.

"Deshaun, it's very, very natural for him to lead," Stefanski said. "And I think he's comfortable leading from out in front. I think he's comfortable from leading and letting his teammates get credit. That's just something he's always done his whole life. And just the way he's integrated himself into this football team is impressive to watch."

Browns players vote on captains, as is the case with every NFL team. In many ways, Stefanski was placed in a no-win scenario, either speaking out against his own team or backing Watson, someone accused of indefensible harassment against women. Stefanski chose to lead his team, even though it meant glossing over all that Watson is accused of.

Cleveland Browns make Deshaun Watson a team captain

When they acquired Watson via trade, the Browns made it clear that his talent far exceeded the risk that came with the allegations against him, in their view. Yes, we are a country of second chances, but Watson's financial slap on the wrist for dozens of heinous allegations doesn't really qualify as punishment.

When revealing the decision to make Watson captain, Stefanski was careful to ensure he only commented on Deshaun's time in Cleveland, and his supposed growth as a person.

"From the moment he got here until now," Stefanski said of Watson, "just seeing how he's gotten to know everybody on his team, how he pushes them, how he motivates them, I think you're seeing a lot of examples of high-quality leadership from Deshaun in particular."

Teams naming their starting QB a team captain is to be expected in the modern NFL, even in Watson's case. It doesn't make this any less disgusting, though.

For more information on the two-dozen civil suits filed against Watson, SB Nation summarized the allegations quite well. The majority of these cases were settled out of court, though Watson was scheduled to make a deposition for a lone civil trial in April.