Browns' Myles Garrett Defends Deshaun Watson After Fan Booing
- During a game on October 20, 2024, Deshaun Watson suffered an apparent Achilles injury and was booed by fans as he left the field.
- In response to the booing, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett defended Watson, calling him a 'model citizen' and highlighting the inappropriateness of booing injured players.
- Garrett's comments emphasize the need for empathy and recognition of players' challenges, urging fans to refrain from judgment during difficult times.
On October 20, 2024, during an NFL game, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson sustained an apparent Achilles injury, leading to fans booing his exit on a cart. This reaction from the audience sparked controversy, particularly given Watson's past allegations of sexual assault and harassment from 22 women. In a postgame press conference, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett defended Watson, characterizing him as a 'model citizen' and asserting that players should not be booed in moments of injury. Explaining that booing an injured player is unwarranted, Garrett emphasized the importance of supporting teammates, particularly in difficult times. He highlighted that while Watson has faced serious allegations, none have led to criminal charges, and Watson has made significant payments to settle these claims. Garrett called for better behavior from fans, urging that they should not judge players harshly for mistakes, on or off the field, as everyone has imperfections. His comments raised broader questions about morality in sports and fan behavior, spotlighting the need for empathy and respect towards injured players regardless of their off-field conduct.