Deshaun Watson A Pig, Predator, Pervert, Weirdo And A Problem: Cleveland Patch Survey

Every move the Cleveland Browns have made lately is intended to pull together the best football talent money can buy. Even Joe Thomas — possibly the only future Hall of Famer the Browns produced in the last 20 years — says the roster taking shape "is the best collection of players the Browns have had since they've been back, by far. ...

"The Browns are a Super Bowl contender."

Yet many Browns fans are dismayed, even disgusted. A considerable number of fans tell Cleveland Patch the acquisition of Deshaun Watson, still dogged by claims of bizarrely inappropriate behavior with two dozen massage therapists, and the treatment of Baker Mayfield, regardless of his faults, have soured them on this team.

In our unscientific survey of more than 2,000 Browns fans across Greater Cleveland, almost half claim the Browns lost them as a fan. (This makes for one distressing doughnut chart.)

One out of three fans say they disagree with all the recent personnel moves the Browns have made. The most significant move, obviously, is the trade of first round draft picks in 2022, 2023 and 2024, plus a third round pick and a two fourth rounders, for Watson as quarterback to replace the soon-to-be-jettisoned Mayfield.

Many — about one out of four — say they will watch the games but without the zeal for all things orange and brown that makes this Brownstown USA.

How has your opinion of the Cleveland Browns changed since the signing of Deshaun Watson as quarterback?

Think about 1999, after four years of scar tissue built up on our football-loving hearts. Remember the irrational exuberance of the Browns fans who thought the newly minted '99 expansion team might win a handful of games? Some, drunk on hope and seeing the world through orange-colored glasses, even believed they'd post a winning record. (Alas, that cellar-dwelling roster finished with two miraculous victories.)

Think about the last two decades of crummy football. Despite this, we cling to hope in Believeland.

Given the ardor of the Cleveland Browns fanbase, it says a lot that the character questions attached to the front office and their new quarterback prompt 47.6% of survey respondents to say the Browns have "lost them as a fan."

Are we ready to believe a winning team ultimately begets a happy fanbase regardless of how the team gets there? The Haslams have made that bet for us.

We'll see if all is forgotten when the season begins.

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Do you agree with the recent player decisions the Cleveland Browns have made so far for the 2022 season?

Baker Mayfield hot takes, from the Cleveland Patch survey:

The Browns really did him wrong, should have not picked up his option as they were already working on the Watson signing and were unhappy with Mayfield's performance. This is a sad day for Cleveland when all that matters is to win at any cost.

Daniel W., Louisville KY

I think he played too long after his injury. Should have had surgery sooner. Still like his work ethic and character. Wish him well.

Greg, Avon Lake

For the last two years Baker Mayfield and the team made the Browns exciting to watch again! I was embarrassed by the way he was treated after he was injured. I’m not excited about football this season because of the decisions by the Browns front office!

Daisy, Cleveland

He was always too short to pass over the linemen requiring the Browns to move the pocket. couldn't see downfield well.

Allen, Lorain

How can you leave someone in limbo. How fair is that?

Anonymous, Cleveland Heights

Baker had a bad year last year, and this is causing his issues this year. At best he is a backup quarterback in the NFL until he can prove otherwise.

James K., North Royalton

Baker gave everything he had to the team. I blame the Browns for letting him play when injured and it cost us a playoff spot. We could at least be proud of the team with him.

Steve, Avon Lake

Not a fan of Mayfield, but the Browns mishandled the situation.

Elaine, Mentor

Disrespected. I recognize this is a business, but they could've done better.

Nikki, Shaker Heights

Let Baker recover and play. He is young enough to fully recover.

K. Scott, Brecksville

Underappreciated. He was a great teammate, leader and person. He could take us to the Super Bowl.

Tom T., Aurora

Needs to keep his mouth shut. Too much talk. Show it on the field. Shouldn’t have played hurt last season.

Debbie N., Naples FL

I feel bad for him, he is a good player but I think lacked the leadership skills to be great.

Martha, Shaker Heights

Baker is Baker’s worst enemy. His words and actions ruined his trade value. He needs to shut up and stay off social media. Prove he’s healthy and is not a locker room cancer.

Ian W., Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

I can’t believe what they did to Mayfield, kid has so much talent and potential. It’s embarrassing what they did to him.

Josh, Wichita KS

It's a damn shame to stuff Mayfield in the corner. Did he need work? Some. It's the team's obligation to Mayfield and the fans to sit him when he was injured. Absolutely no excuses for allowing him to play hurt regardless of what Mayfield wanted. In my opinion, the front office sabotaged Baker.

Joe, Cleveland

I believe that Baker Mayfield is an average QB in the NFL. The Browns have came to the decision that Baker won't do enough to take the Browns to the Super Bowl. This was a very tough decision by upper management, but I believe that they did enough homework and came to the right decision by getting an elite QB in the NFL.

Jon, Stow

Baker, keep your chin up. Rehab that shoulder. Take a trade to Seattle and go win a Super Bowl or two!! Browns Fans luv you. The Browns Front Office are idiots.

Anonymous, Cleveland

Baker was a transitional quarterback, and I thank him for that. He is not a franchise caliber quarterback. Thanks to Baker and good luck on your future!

Harlan, Cleveland

The Haslams should ashamed of how they are treating Baker. It wasn’t all on him, lousy play calling by the head coach.

Anonymous, Cleveland

I didn't want Baker first overall in the draft! That being said, he grew on me over the past few years. I don't think last year was a great representation of the QB I believe he was becoming after the breakout 2020/2021 season!

Rocco, Youngstown

He may not have been ideal, but the Browns treated him like garbage and knew long before saying that they were done with him. The Haslams, Berry, Stefanski are chronic liars. Worse than Modell in many regards.

Ken, Kirtland

Baker misjudged his bargaining position. I love him as a guy but I was disappointed in his unwillingness to sit himself and heal. He hurt his future.

Jim M., Avon Lake

I think the Browns coaches and front office did not do Baker any favors! Hurt second game and needed surgery but let him play entire season. Then knowing he was hurt, put him in situations to make him throw, when they have three of the best RB's in the NFL! Not a fan of his since drafted! But rooted for him and the Browns set him up for failure!

Doug B., Beechgrove TN

The way the ownership has treated Baker is shameful! He is not Tom Brady, but he is more than capable of leading the Browns to the Super Bowl. Baker will go to another team and be successful. Watson and Stefanski will continue to be mediocre. The Browns leadership is pitiful!!!!!

Emil H., Canton

They did him dirty.

Lynn, Lakewood

He’s been treated very unfairly. He played injured all year as requested and gave it his all! The public was told that he was our guy and yet they pursued another quarterback behind his back! Despicable!! I was hoping to win a championship with a guy I could call “ours,” who represented the Midwestern values of the people of Northeast Ohio. Instead we chose a person who will bring us nothing but national criticism! And God help us if he isn’t able to live up to all the “hype” and we will look stupid to the rest of the country for spending a fortune on a “loser”! (Hope he proves me wrong!)

Elizabeth P., Berea

Deshaun Watson hot takes, from the Cleveland Patch survey:

Don’t trust him and not worth a quarter of a billion dollars, regardless, without the baggage.

Phil, Avon Lake

Not a fan and hope those women get justice!!!

Ma, Chardon

If you look on Tinder, there are a lot of women offering nude massages. Watson isn’t to blame.

Anonymous, Cleveland

Really - 22 active civil suits accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct.these are active cases. 22 women who have had similar situations with him. You will pay him how much??? No way. I will not support a team that takes on a member who has been charged with any misconduct. I don’t care how good he is. What is that saying to future generations of moral conduct? GET RID OF HIM!!!!

Anonymous, Cleveland Heights

There are always both sides to the story, and we do not know the whole story, so I will stay neutral. He is a huge upgrade to the Browns offense, which is exciting.

James K., North Royalton

Sexual predator that needs help and should never have been signed by the Browns. We have made a deal with the devil to try and win a Super Bowl. And even if we do it won't even be worth the cost to have achieved it, which is sad and utterly frustrating.

Steve, Avon Lake

Innocent until proven guilty. And not by a bunch of idiots on social media.

Paul, Cleveland

They should not have hired him till he was cleared of all charges. And the amount of money they are paying him is sickening! They’ll be hiring murders next as long as they can throw the ball!

Daisy, Cleveland

Another huge embarrassment for our town, all those women aren’t wrong. It reflects on our city. Very poor choice.

Anonymous, Westlake

Innocent until proven guilty, however with 22 alleged victims it looks like an irrefutable trend of criminal behavior.

Barbara, Cleveland Heights

He will be a problem for four years and then go elsewhere. Another poor Haslam decision.

Tom T., Aurora

I support him because he's the Browns QB.

Todd, Cuyahoga Falls

Guaranteed income is questionable move for the browns organization. Questionable character off the field, and 22 accusations leaves a lot of concern

Debbie N., Naples FL

I do not approve of anyone with 22 sexual misconduct charges. 22 are waaaaay too many for him to be not guilty. I cannot see how anyone could respect him.

Sunita G., Elyria

It is outrageous that he was hired during these allegations. The number of women who have come forward means there is a serious issue, it should be fully resolved, legally, before he is allowed to participate with any team. That he was recruited and Colin Kap still isn’t, is utterly ridiculous. The NFL clearly thinks social justice protest is worse than sexual assault.

Martha, Shaker Heights

He expects and uses massage therapists for sex. Whether they consented or not remains to be seen. But not a role model to risk our franchise on.

David, Avon Lake

Strange guy … entitled.

Pablo, North Ridgeville

He is the reason my hub and I no longer will watch Browns' games, nor patronize Pilot stations. We are disgusted with this trade.

Madeline H., Lakewood

Just hoping he plays as well for the Browns as he did for the Texans

Jerry, Uniontown

I don't care how good this guy is — he's a sexual predator and the Browns never should have considered him based on that fact alone. Twenty-two women can't be lying. He's a scumbag that happens to be a very, very good quarterback. The Browns are going to regret this one — one way or the other. They took the moral low road — sad.

Anonymous, Lakewood

Are 22 women really wrong? Very disappointed in the Browns.

Penelope, Sandusky

I am thrilled to have Deshaun on our team! Looking forward to the next chapter of the Browns and perhaps the elusive Super Bowl trophy!

Harlan, Cleveland

You are asking after the fact so answering is pointless. If you would asked before hand I would have told you don’t make the trade. That being said I am all in for the Browns.

Ben, New Washington

I'm disappointed that, as a fan, I have to make a choice between rooting for the Browns and rooting for doing what is right. The way I feel about the team is tainted by Watson's acquisition.

Jim M., Avon Lake

I've been a Browns fan since the days when Jim Brown was the running back. I've been loyal through the years. I have loved the Browns. But I'm done with them now with their bringing the likes of Watson in. Done. Won't even watch the games let alone attend.

Anonymous, Cleveland

Talented but a lost human being. Sexual predator. Selfish. Not someone to "lead" the Browns.

Dorie, Kirtland

Watson is a super bowl caliber QB, Mayfield is NOT!!

Robert M., Springfield

If they were unhappy with the current quarterback, I would have kept Baker for one more year and drafted another one and let him develop and then move off of Baker. I would have stayed away from all the bad press that this Deshaun has with him. What happens if he does the same thing in Cleveland? Has anyone suggested sexual consultation?

Jim, Anaheim CA

Top 5 quarterback. From a football standpoint this trade can transform this team into championship contender for years to come. The rest of the NFL hates the Haslams, too bad. Should we stand pat and let another team make this trade just so we don't hurt any of the poor billionaires feelings? Get over it.

Richard, Avon Lake

Nobody wants this pervert representing CLE. This just proves that if you have enough money, the laws do not apply to you. Worst of all, after the NFL takes him out of the game the Browns will not have any money for even the least wanted quarter back. Sorry Browns fans, but looks like we are going to be in last place again.

Alan G., Berea

Haslam and the Browns sold their soul in an attempt to win a Super Bowl and I'm pretty sure it's still not going to happen anytime soon. They are certainly sending an unsavory message to the town and their fans about their value of "winning at all cost," respect and sportsmanship be damned. They way overpaid for Watson not to mention the fact he will likely be suspended if not ultimately found guilty of the accusations against him. Too big a risk for little known return and they kicked Baker while he was down.

Jeff, Lakewood

Proves money is the bottom line. Hope some fathers explain to their sons that this behavior is unacceptable, unless you are an athlete. 😥

Bonnie, Cleveland

I hope he can bring excitement back to the fans who more than deserve a winner.

K. Maxwell, Stow

Allegations are different from being declared guilty, DeShaun is facing highly unfair amounts of defamation.

Nicholas, Akron

I could never understand how one woman could root for Roethlisberger or how people made Kobe Bryant into a saintly family man. I feel the same about Watson. Would the decision to hire him be made by a room full of women? He's a pig. He does not deserve to be the face of our city.

Kathleen R., Shaker Heights

I am trying to keep an open mind, however, I do not like what I have read to date.

Robert M., Mentor

Big mistake. HUGE mistake. The Browns just proved how desperate they are. All their talk about “character” in players — and then you get THIS guy with 22 allegations against him?? Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Unbelievably disappointed in my beloved Browns.

LeAnn O., Lakewood

Dude is at best a weirdo, at worst a serial predator. Bad look for the city/franchise.

Dave, Akron

I have three daughters, two of who work in healthcare. Watson sickens me.

Ken H., Lakewood

I want to win but not that bad. Shame on the Cleveland front office for mortgaging our future and sacrificing our self-respect. Browns organization has left a VERY BAD taste in my mouth that won't go away until Watson plays for someone else.

Sherry W., Painesville

Does trading for Deshaun Watson fit the "smart, tough, and accountable" mantra the Browns preach?? Too much controversy surrounding this man. More drama and distraction seems to be what the Browns organization craves.

Ann, Stow

I think he is an exceptional athlete and he can throw bullets downfield. I hope his performance is enough for fans to forget his off-field activities.

Mike B., Cleveland

I will only continue to watch games because he hasn't been found guilty. Once he is, the Browns are dead to me and I have been a diehard fan for 30 years

Sherri, Cleveland Heights

Red flags everywhere. Why would you get a player that is obviously a problem? Just throwing away money. And ruining morale. Ridiculous.

Susan, Cleveland

I am finished with the Browns after being a season ticket holder and an active fan for over 50 years.

Tom N., Lakewood

Watson has shown that he can be an exceptional quarterback, but nobody knows if his talent remains and he can overcome his recent personal struggles. NFL history is rife with quarterbacks who were great few a few years and then their career collapsed. So long as his actions weren't criminal and he has learned from them, then I say welcome to Cleveland. Show us you brought your talent.

Craig, Ashtabula

Football players used to be someone kids could look to. Now we pay millions to sexual predators.

Bonnie H., Bay Village

Deshaun Watson was not indicted because the prosecutors did not feel they had the evidence to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. But I firmly believe he perpetrated sexual wrongdoing and hurts the Browns' reputation immeasurably.

Neil R., Twinsburg

Big mistake. They put all their eggs in one basket. The money is way over the top and giving away first round picks was absolutely stupid. He didn’t come here for the team, he came for the money. He is not a person any child can look up to as a football hero. I don’t believe that he’s innocent. I am deeply disappointed in the Browns front office. I am ashamed of their values and I won’t be supportive of the team. I hope the rest of the team can find ways to get out of their contracts and go elsewhere.

Judy, Avon Lake