Thursday, April 16, 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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Apr 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives past Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) and guard Darius Garland (10) in the second half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome.
exclusive

NBA Is in Talks With Kalshi and Polymarket

Discussions ramped up after the CFTC began engaging with leagues, sources say.

NFL Draft Week Brings Tension, Trade Rumors, Pittsburgh Frenzy

Trade talk grows while hotel rooms in Pittsburgh remain historically expensive.
Apr 25, 2024; Avondale, Louisiana, USA; Kevin Kisner reacts to his shot from the 14th tee during the first round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

NBC’s Kevin Kisner Apologizes for Torching CBS Masters Coverage

Kisner admitted he “crossed the line” with his now-viral rant.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 5, 2025; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) in the second half during a NFL game at Corinthians Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jean Carniel/Reuters via Imagn Images
exclusive

NFL, YouTube in Advanced Talks for 5-Game Package

The deal has yet to be finalized.

Featured Today

blake griffin

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.
Apr 13, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Azzi Fudd poses for a photo on the orange carpet before the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Wings Shut Down Question to Azzi Fudd About Paige Bueckers Relationship

The Wings selected Fudd first overall earlier this week.
The Miz Stephen A. Smith WWE
April 16, 2026

ESPN Going All Out for WWE WrestleMania in Las Vegas

There has been plenty of crossover between ESPN and WWE this week.
LIV Golf livestream
April 16, 2026

LIV Golf Livestreams Crash Minutes After Mexico Event Tees Off

The league’s broadcast feeds were down for more than an hour.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
Mar 28, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
April 15, 2026

NBA Viewership Up 16% in Year 1 of New Media Deal

The league faced heavy scrutiny last year for its declining ratings.
Feb 7, 2022; Westlake Village, CA, USA; ESPN reporter Dianna Russini at Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl LVI Opening Night at Oaks Christian High School. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
April 15, 2026

What’s Next for Dianna Russini? Sports Media Insiders Debate Her Future

Russini has made it clear she plans to continue her career.
LaChina Robinson Sarah Kustok
exclusive
April 15, 2026

LaChina Robinson, Sarah Kustok Expected to Join WNBA on NBC

NBC’s WNBA coverage continues to take shape.
April 14, 2026

Amazon Broadcast Crashes in Final Minute of Its Biggest NBA Game Yet

Viewers missed 22 critical seconds of the Hornets-Heat game.