Dabo Swinney speaks out on Deshaun Watson lawsuits
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney spoke with the media Monday following the Tigers’ practice and was asked about the current situation with Deshaun Watson.
Deshaun Watson, who played quarterback at Clemson from 2014 to 2016 and was responsible for leading the Tigers to their first National Championship in 30 years, has recently fallen into the limelight of the news for the wrong reasons.
More than a dozen lawsuits have been filed against Watson alleging sexual assault and inappropriate conduct and there are reportedly expected to be more in the coming days. Attorney Tony Buzbee posted the news on his social media account a week ago.
When asked about Deshaun Watson and the current situation the Houston Texans QB is facing, Swinney gave a very thorough answer:
"“We are disappointed to see his name in the news and all that is going on,” Swinney said via The Clemson Insider. “Look, I love Deshaun Watson. He is like a son to me. That is how I love him. As far as all the legal stuff and all of that, that will all take its course and all of that stuff. We certainly can’t speculate or comment on any of that stuff.”"
Swinney said he had known Watson since the ninth grade and he has always demonstrated exemplary character.
"“But all I can tell you is that I have known Deshaun since he was in the ninth grade. And that he has been nothing but exemplary in every area that I have ever known him in. Three years here, as a player, I think I had a chance to yell at him one time because he was five minutes late to a team meeting that he overslept for. And that is it. That is the Deshaun I know. I can only base my thought on my experiences with him, which have been wonderful. Again, I love him like a son and we will just have to see where everything else goes from there.”"
Deshaun Watson situation likely to get worse before it gets better. We’ll continue to hope for the best
Swinney answered the question with much careful thought and word choice.
He spoke to Watson’s character and work ethic, but said he would let the legal findings play out without commenting.
As far as all of this is concerned, we should continue to hope for the best. We can hope that none of this is true but should not dismiss anything either.
Watson posted a statement on Twitter when the news started to unfold where he said he had not yet seen the complaint, but that he had ‘never treated any woman with anything but the utmost respect.’
— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) March 17, 2021
The NFL confirmed that the league had begun an investigation into the matter based off of Buzbee’s lawsuits and Buzbee also said he is planning to submit the package of evidence to the Houston Police Department.