Thursday December 7, 2023

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
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

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
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

A Chicago Bears helmet.

Yet Another Proposal for A New Bears Stadium: The Parking Lot

Popular tailgating site becomes latest stadium site possibility for NFL team.

NWSL’s Record Media Deals Drive Schedule Expansion

The league will grow to a 26-match schedule in 2024.

Ex-Jags Employee Accused of Stealing $22M, Going on Massive Shopping Spree

Executive accused of using team funds to fund lavish personal lifestyle.
Jim Harbaugh

Jim Harbaugh Reportedly Eyes Five-Year Extension With Michigan

The Michigan coach is close to a $55 million contract. But the school wants written pledge he won't jump back to NFL.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Why the NBA May Have Made Billions With Midseason Tournament

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

The College Football Playoff is considering rotating TV networks for the national championship game.

CFP Considers Super Bowl-Like Rotation For National Championship Game

Multiple networks could share rights to the championship game, sources told FOS.
Brett Favre
November 27, 2023

Favre Welfare Case Hold-Up? "AG’s Office Has Not Expressed Interest In Pursuing"

The DOJ interviewed Brett Favre in early 2020.
The future of the Pac-12 rests on a court decision.
November 24, 2023

The Pac-12 Plays Its Final Regular-Season Game. Then A Court Decides Its Fate.

The conference's future rests with a court decision.
Lane Kiffin
November 9, 2023

Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin Lawyers Argue for Dismissal of Player Lawsuit

FOS obtained audio of Lane Kiffin's interaction with the player behind lawsuit.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
FanDuel
Multiple Locations
Adidas
Multiple Locations
Creative Artists Agency
Multiple Locations
Sports Illustrated
exclusive

‘The Amount of Useless Stuff You Guys Do Is Staggering.’ Inside a Shakeup at Sports Illustrated’s Publisher

The new owner of the company that operates SI made a jarring first impression Wednesday, warning his employees: 'No one is important.'
Eagles Niners
December 6, 2023

Eagles-49ers Achieves Fox's Highest Sunday Viewership of Season

Fox's broadcast of 49ers vs. Eagles pulls in 27.7M viewers.
December 6, 2023

NBA Viewers Like the In-Season Tourney. What About Broadcasters?

The NBA In-Season Tournament could attract new media partners.
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
ESPN Stephen A. Smith
December 5, 2023

Stephen A. Smith to ESPN: ‘I Want To Be Highest-Paid Talent’

With a No. 1 show, Stephen A. Smith wants to become number one in compensation.
December 5, 2023

Seminoles’ CFP Snub Opens New Front in Disney vs. Florida War

Florida lawmakers are already considering legislation to protest the College Football Playoff's exclusion of Florida State.
The Australia men's cricket team celebrating winning the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
December 4, 2023

Amazon Secures ICC Cricket Broadcast Media Rights in Australia

Prime Video will be Australia's exclusive home for ICC events through 2027.
English Premier League teams Leeds United and Brighton Hove & Albion in action during a match.
December 4, 2023

Premier League Reasserts Dominance With $8.5B Domestic Rights Deals

Deals achieve small rights fee increase for top European league.