Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson got pulled over for speeding last month, and get this, he just pleaded not guilty on Wednesday morning. This isn’t some off-season news; it’s happening literally days before the team’s season opener, throwing an early curveball into their new campaign.
86 MPH and a Court Date That Can’t Wait
Apparently, Watson was spotted by the Cleveland police tearing it up on Interstate 480 around 8:30 a.m. on August 26, the day before their final preseason game. How fast? Try 86 mph in a 60 mph zone. That’s a pretty chunky ticket, huh? He was cited on the spot. Now, instead of just paying the fine, Watson decided to plead not guilty in Cleveland Municipal Court on Wednesday. That means he is now due in court for a bench trial on September 23. That date falls just days before the team’s *home* opener against the Carolina Panthers. Talk about distractions when you are trying to prep for an NFL season.
Watson’s Rocky Road in Cleveland
It feels like Watson’s time in Cleveland has been one wild ride, and not the good kind. The Browns named him their starting quarterback to kick off the season after a preseason battle with Shedeur Sanders. Remember when they brought him in? Back in 2022, after a trade with the Houston Texans, they signed him to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal, practically cementing him as the guy for years. But it hasn’t been smooth sailing since. He’s battled multiple Achilles injuries and, of course, was suspended by the NFL for 11 games because of several lawsuits for sexual misconduct. Browns fans have even been booing him multiple times during preseason games, like that loss to the Buffalo Bills. Watson called them out for it, saying, “I think the whole world knows, it has nothing to do about performance. It’s a little bit [more] personal than that. It’s a disrespectful thing. I’m going to keep whatever I feel between me and my family.” Oof.
Can Monken Fix This Mess?
The Browns need a fresh start, right? They sputtered to a 5-12 record last season, which led to a coaching shake-up. They brought in Todd Monken to replace former head coach Kevin Stefanski. You gotta wonder if all this off-field stuff, even something like a speeding ticket and a court date, keeps a cloud hanging over the team. With Watson already having to deal with fan frustrations and a history of injuries, this bench trial certainly doesn’t help clear the air.
So, what’s next? Watson and the Browns kick off their season this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Florida. It’s their chance to actually talk football, but with a court date looming just a few weeks later, it feels like the off-field drama might not be totally behind them. This season could be a real test of focus for that Browns locker room.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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