Browns’ trade for Deshaun Watson prompts more than 1,000 donations to Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center has received more than 1,000 donations since the Cleveland Browns traded for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson on Friday, it said on Saturday morning.
Watson, who missed all of last season after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, was traded to the Browns in exchange for five future draft picks. The deal will also reportedly give Watson the most guaranteed money sum in NFL history.
“We understand the story surrounding Deshaun Watson joining the Cleveland Browns team is triggering for far too many of our friends and neighbors,” the organization said in a statement. “For those who need additional support, please know Cleveland Rape Crisis Center is available to you 24/7/365.
“To the community we say, we see you. We hear your outrage. We feel it too. Every click. Every post and every tweet. Every donation sends a clear message.”
A Texas grand jury declined to indict Watson on criminal charges earlier this month after 22 civil lawsuits were filed accusing Watson of sexual misconduct or assault. Those lawsuits are still ongoing, and the NFL is still investigating the allegations against him.
Watson, who initially requested a trade before last season started, will now reportedly sign a five-year deal with $230 million guaranteed, the largest guaranteed deal in NFL history. The Browns sent the Texans three first-round draft picks, a 2023 third-round pick and a 2024 fourth-round pick in exchange.
Watson met with multiple teams in recent days, including the Saints, Falcons and Panthers, before choosing the Browns. Current Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has since requested a trade.
Watson is undoubtedly one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. He threw for a league-high 4,823 yards and 33 touchdowns with just seven interceptions in 2020.
