• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, January 27, 2026

CBS To Tackle Deshaun Watson Scandal Before QB’s Debut

  • Jonathan Jones, Aditi Kinkhabwala will examine the story on ‘NFL Today.’
  • Browns quarterback poised to make first regular season start in 700 days.
Deshaun Watson speaks to media after being traded to the Cleveland Browns
Syndication Akron Beacon Journal

CBS Sports reporters Jonathan Jones and Aditi Kinkhabwala will tackle Deshaun Watson’s return to the field on Sunday’s edition of “The NFL Today.”

The duo will cover the story of Watson’s reinstatement to the NFL after an 11-game suspension. 

The league suspended the Cleveland Browns quarterback after two dozen women made allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct during massage sessions. Watson agreed to undisclosed financial settlements with 20 of his accusers in June. 

CBS is set to televise Watson’s 2022 debut Sunday (1 p.m. ET) as the Browns visit the Houston Texans. Spero Dedes, Jay Feely, and Kinkhabwala will be on the call for the contest.

Cleveland Browns’ Deshaun Watson Hit With 11-Game Ban, $5M Fine

The settlement includes a behavioral evaluation and treatment.
August 18, 2022

There is a delicate dance between broadcast partners and leagues when there are controversial stories.

Watson starred for the Texans for four seasons before the franchise traded him to the Browns for multiple first-round draft picks last March. 

As part of the deal, the three-time Pro Bowler banked a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract from the Browns. With sexual misconduct allegations and lawsuits swirling, Watson was inactive for the 2021 season.

The former first-round pick was in damage control mode this week as he practiced for his first regular season start in 700 days, deflecting any questions about the scandal.

“I am focusing on football,” Watson said.

Up to 10 of Watson’s accusers may attend Browns-Texans game in a stadium suite. It’s unclear if CBS will interview any of his accusers as part of its pregame coverage.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Barstool Sports founder and pizza influencer Dave Portnoy went on a four-shop tour of RI pizza places and stopped at Francesco's on Hope Street after owner Frank Schiavone got Portnoy's attention with some confident signage.

NFL: Dave Portnoy Not Banned From Super Bowl

“Mr. Portnoy can buy a ticket to the game.”

NFL Stadium Designers Battle to Win $3B Chiefs Project

The NFL team is choosing between two locally based firms to design its stadium.

Steelers Owner Says Mike McCarthy Hire Is About Wins, Not Optics

The western Pennsylvania native is just the team’s fourth head coach since 1969.

Super Bowl LX Ticket Resale Prices Climb in Post-Chiefs Dynasty Era

A newer host market and a different matchup brings renewed market energy.

Featured Today

Tim Jenkins

How One NFL Pass Turned Into a Career on YouTube

Tim Jenkins missed the NFL. He took his football IQ to YouTube.
January 17, 2026

Sports Goes All In on Non-Alcoholic Drinks Boom

Athletes, teams, and leagues are pouring money into the NA beverage category.
Tulsa Portal House
January 16, 2026

Inside the Tulsa Portal House: ‘This Will Translate to Wins’

The Golden Hurricane set up an over-the-top battle station for football recruiting.
Black Rabbit
January 10, 2026

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”

UFC Defends Ad-Heavy Paramount+ Debut

The first event on Paramount+ featured ads during fighter walkouts. 
Jan 26, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Amanda Anisimova of United States in action against Xinyu Wang of China in the fourth round of the women’s singles at the Australian Open at John Cain Arena in Melbourne Park.
January 26, 2026

Amanda Anisimova Calls The Athletic Reporter’s Questions ‘Clickbait’

“I don’t think that’s relevant,” Anisimova responded.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Jan 25, 2026; Taipei, TAIWAN; Alex Honnold free solo climbs Taipei 101.
January 27, 2026

Netflix Continues Live TV Push As Skyscraper Climb Draws 6.2M

The stream of the free climb expanded the company’s live events presence.
Sponsored

From Kobe Bryant to Tom Brady: Mike Repole’s Billion-Dollar Playbook

Mike Repole shares an inside look into building brands & working with star athletes.
Jan 24, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Justin Gaethje (red gloves) fights Paddy Pimblett (blue gloves) during UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena.
January 26, 2026

Paramount Says Nearly 5 Million Watched Its UFC Debut Event

UFC and Paramount agreed to a seven-year deal last year worth $7.7 billion.
Aug 24, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Bob Costas speaks during a celebration of Bob Uecker’s life prior to the game between the San Francisco Giants= and Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field.
January 26, 2026

Inside NBC’s ‘NEW-Stalgia’ Approach With MLB and NBA

Costas will host NBC’s pregame show on Opening Day.
exclusive
January 22, 2026

Molly Qerim Hosting Zuffa Boxing in First Post-ESPN Job

The move reunites her with former ESPN colleague Max Kellerman.
January 22, 2026

CFP Title Game Draws 30.1M Viewers, Most-Watched Since 2015

Viewership surges 36% for the Hoosiers’ win to seal an undefeated season.