“Watson was suspended 11 games by the NFL for violations of the league's personal conduct policy.”
Many pointed out the conundrum that Watson couldn't show "signs of progress" if he hadn't done anything wrong, which he has maintained throughout the entire ordeal.
"Redemption narratives are easy. They are for storytellers what naming a local restaurant on stage is to Mick Jagger - a short path to a cheap...
"You -- neither Deshaun, his lawyers, or anybody involved in this -- get to dictate what those reporters get to say, ask, or think."
"I think people know what's going on. You're not gonna show them and start trashing them on the broadcast."
"All he has to do is make one glance in that direction and someone will grab a still frame of that."
If Kansas City acquired him, it would be very easy to say 'Look how Michael Vick turned out'."
"I can't tell you unequivocally that I'm not convinced that (the media) would have the same treatment to Indianapolis that we've gotten here in Cleveland."
"Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn? I don't want Spero Dedes and Jay Feely. I don't want Tom McCarthy and Tiki Barber."
92.3 The Fan's The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima said the NFL's decision is driven by media reaction.