CLEVELAND FANS BOO WATSON IN PRESEASON RETURN

Cleveland Browns fans booed quarterback Deshaun Watson during a preseason game after he took the field and throughout the third quarter as his performance faltered. Watson's first two offensive drives ended without scoring, he threw an interception on his third drive, and completed an incomplete pass on fourth down to end his fourth drive. The booing continued despite Watson stating earlier in the week that he was unconcerned about his reception from fans.

The Browns acquired Watson in a trade that cost three first-round draft picks, one second-round pick, one third-round pick and one fourth-round pick. The club then signed him to a five-year contract worth $230 million fully guaranteed. Watson has appeared in 19 games across four seasons since joining the Browns and was suspended for the first 11 games of his tenure. His performance in those 19 games has ranked among the poorest in the National Football League, according to the report.

Watson should expect similar reception when the Browns play their first home game of the regular season in Week Three, the report stated. One account indicated Watson responded negatively to the booing, describing it as disrespectful. The report attributed the acquisition decision partly to the club proceeding despite Watson facing accusations of sexual assault from approximately two dozen massage therapists prior to joining Cleveland.