Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is facing backlash for a seemingly planned social media effort to promote the NFL in Saudi Arabia.
Watson recently visited Saudi Arabia and shared some of the sights on social media. On April 23, he expressed gratitude to Prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad, and the negative response was strong. This led to Watson disabling comments on the post.
“I had a pleasant time visiting Saudi Arabia and gained insight into the original Saudi culture and society. I enjoyed watching Al-Nassar, Al-Al-Wali, Al-Hilal, Al-Zaim, and heard much about the passion of Al-Ahly fans and Al-Ittihad,” Watson stated. “Special thanks to His Royal Highness Prince @Saudi49er for the hospitality and generosity. And hopefully, we will see [football] in Saudi Arabia soon. May peace be with you!”
Prince Abdullah responded to Watson, wishing him luck against everyone but the San Francisco 49ers — an allegiance he made clear through his handle, “Saudi49er.”
“We really enjoyed having you in Saudi, I wish you and your family health and happiness,” Prince Abdullah replied. “I wish you the best of luck in every game you play except when you play against you know who!”
Deshaun Watson Under Fire for Saudi Arabia Message
Getty ImagesCritics of Deshaun Watson expressed their disapproval following his social media posts about Saudi Arabia.
Many of the comments called out Watson for the message, which seemed to be a paid public relations move.
“$240 million from the Browns not enough? Boss out here twerking for Sheiks,” one commenter wrote, referencing Watson’s contract with the Browns.
Another wrote, “I did not have Saudi Arabia recruiting Deshaun Watson for sportswashing on my 2024 bingo card.”
Others joked that the Browns Quarterback would be the first member of the “LIV football league.”
Watson’s public image is not great, and the tweet does not help his cause. In 2022, Watson faced an 11-game suspension following allegations of sexual misconduct made by more than two dozen women. He was also fined $5 million.
Browns Quarterback Deshaun Watson Takes Break From Recovery for Trip
Getty ImagesBrowns Quarterback Deshaun Watson is expected to be ready for the start of the season.
Watson is recuperating from season-ending shoulder surgery. The three-time Pro Bowler fractured the glenoid bone in his throwing shoulder. Watson has been putting in significant effort to return to the field and recently updated his progress.
“Everything is fluid motion, no hinging,” Watson said on April 16. “When I’m throwing, everything is fluid and motion is really good. The velocity and the strength is really good.”
Watson has indicated he will be ready for Week 1. However, the Browns have not specified an exact timeline for his return.
“This week Deshaun was throwing up to 40 yards,” Browns GM Andrew Berry said on April 18. “He’s in a pretty good spot. Again, I don’t want to put the cart before the horse, he’s progressing as appropriate. We’re really, really pleased with the work that he’s put in and really pleased with how his shoulder’s responding, but we’re still in the rehab process. We know that it could take different left and right turns, but we’re pretty optimistic in terms of what we’ve seen so far.”
Watson has only appeared in 12 games for the Browns since coming in a big trade in 2022.
