Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson said Saturday following the team’s 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the preseason home opener at Huntington Bank Field that it was “disrespectful” when fans cheered as he laid on the field after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in 2024.

He misspoke. It was certainly unkind and obviously wrong. It never should’ve happened in a civilized society.

But it was absolutely and positively NOT disrespectful. 

Respect is not given, ever. It has to instead be earned. And Watson has not earned anyone’s respect — nor will be — because of all his lewd, inappropriate behavior off the field.

He needs to understand that and living in denial, refusing to admit his errors and trying to be a victim instead of his actual identity as a perpetrator.

What a piece of work he is. He just doesn’t get it. The sooner the Browns cut ties with him, the better.

Steve King