The Browns Michael Wacha Jersey split their fanbase in acquiring Deshaun Watson, a quarterback accused by more than 20 women of sexual a sault and hara sment, from the Texans on Friday. After making the deal official Sunday, team officials are speaking out about their decision to trade for him.

, Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, general manager Andrew Berry and coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized the "extensive" investigations into Watson to determine whether to pursue him.

"We are acutely aware and empathetic to the highly personal sentiments expre sed about this decision. Our team's comprehensive evaluation proce s was of utmost important due to the sensitive nature of Matt Wieters Jersey his situation and the complex factors involved. We also understand that there are still some legal proceedings that are ongoing and we will respect due proce s," the Haslams said in a statement.

DESHAUN WATSON TRADE: | |

The Haslams continued on to say that Berry and Stefanski met with Watson to discu s how he views his career in the future, and described the 26-year-old as "humble Andrew Miller Jersey , sincere, and candid."

"In our conversations, Deshaun detailed his commitment to leading our team; he understands and embraces the hard work needed to build his name both in the community and on the field," the Haslams said. "Those in-depth conversations, the extensive evaluation proce s, his dedication to being a great teammate and Mark McGwire Jersey devotion to helping others within the NFL, within the community, and through his charitable initiatives provided the foundation for us to pursue Deshaun. We are confident in Deshaun and excited about moving forward with him as our quarterback and supporting his genuine and determined efforts."

Watson mi sed the entire 2021 season as he faced Brett Cecil Jersey accusations of sexual a sault and hara sment. , he still faces 22 civil lawsuits from women accusing him ofsexual misconduct ranging from inappropriate touching toforcedoral sex. by the NFL.

Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing those 22 women, he did not hear from the Browns or any other NFL team exploring a trade for the quarterback.

The Browns organization did not reach out to me. I didnt expect them to do so, and can understand why they didnt. But, knowing what I know, they probably should have, Buzbee said.

MORE:

The Browns surrendered three Dexter Fowler Jersey first-round picks, a third- and fourth-round pick to acquire Watson, who was also being pursued by the Saints, Falcons and Panthers. Watson originally ruled out the Browns before , reportedly believing the team gives him the best chance to win now. Once he signed off on a move to Cleveland, the team gave him a new contract that paid him the in a single deal in NFL history.

The last time Watson appeared on the field, he Marcell Ozuna Jersey pa sed for 4,823 pa sing yards with 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while completing 70.2 percent of his pa ses in the 2020 campaign. The season earned him his third straight Pro Bowl nod.

Berry said the team did "extensive investigative, legal and reference work over the past several months" to help the team make the decision whether Keith Hernandez Jersey to pursue Watson.

"Deshaun has been among the very best at the position and he understands the work needed to re-establish himself on and off the field in Cleveland," Berry said in a statement. "We are confident that he will make positive contributions to our team and community as we support his return to football."

MORE:

Stefanski praised the background research done by the Browns' front office into Watson and said the team understands "the concerns and questions that exist but are Jedd Gyorko Jersey confident in the extensive work Andrew and his staff have done to feel confident about him joining our organization.

"It was important for us to meet with Deshaun in Stan Musial Jersey person as part of our team's evaluation proce s, we had a candid conversation regarding his approach to coming into our organization and community," Stefanski said in a statement. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity to coach Deshaun, he is ready to put in the hard work needed to help our team improve and make a positive impact in our community."