Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit Criticized for Glossing Over Deshaun Watson Allegations

Play-by-play announcer Al Michaels and analyst Kirk Herbstreit drew criticism for their handling of quarterback Deshaun Watson's past during Amazon Prime Video's broadcast of the Cleveland Browns' 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night. Michaels, while discussing Watson's position in the NFL during the third quarter, opted to bypass detailed commentary on the quarterback's legal issues.

"If you follow football, you know the story — we don’t have to go through the whole Deshaun Watson thing," Michaels stated, referencing the 27 civil lawsuits filed against Watson alleging sexual assault and misconduct. These allegations, which date back to 2020, led to Watson missing the entire 2021 NFL season while with the Houston Texans and subsequently receiving an 11-game suspension from the league after being traded to the Browns.

Michaels further elaborated on Watson's career trajectory, noting his tenure in Houston, the subsequent trade to Cleveland, and the initial perception of the deal as potentially problematic due to Watson's extended absence and the hefty, fully guaranteed $230 million contract he received. Michaels concluded his thought by invoking the adage, "Winning is the best deodorant."

Watson faced lawsuits from several massage therapists. While two Texas grand juries declined to indict him on criminal complaints filed by 10 women, he eventually settled with a number of the accusers. The quarterback's absence from the field, coupled with his performance since joining the Browns, has led to fan discontent, evidenced by boos directed at him during games.

Herbstreit echoed Michaels' sentiment, agreeing that fan reception is often tied to on-field success. "You want the fans to get behind you, and that goes for pretty much any market," Herbstreit said. "This is an extreme case because of what you laid out with Deshaun Watson, but if you convert on third downs, you hit passes, you lead this team to victories, those boos turn into cheers."

Despite the controversy surrounding his past, Watson completed 24 of 33 passes for 268 yards, with one touchdown and one interception in the Browns' win, which improved their record to 3-1 and placed them atop the AFC North standings.