Prime Video is catching heat from NFL fans after giving Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson a prime-time platform on Thursday night.
Before the Browns took on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Taylor Rooks sat down with Watson for a pregame interview that touched on his off-field controversies and his rocky tenure in Cleveland. But for many viewers, the mere act of showcasing Watson was a step too far.
Watson, who threw for 268 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in Week 4, was once a beloved figure in the league. That all changed in 2021 when more than two dozen women accused him of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. The allegations, which Watson has consistently denied, included claims of exposure and unwanted contact.
According to People Magazine, the first accusation came from Ashley Solis, a Houston massage therapist who filed a civil suit alleging Watson exposed himself and touched her with his penis during an appointment. Over time, 24 women came forward with similar accusations. While Watson faced 10 criminal complaints, two Texas grand juries declined to indict him.
Despite the legal outcomes, the court of public opinion has been less forgiving. Fans took to social media to express their disgust with Prime Video's decision to give Watson a national platform.
“In a week where violence against women has been such a heavy conversation to bring this out is disgusting,” one fan tweeted. Another wrote, “Everyone in the NFL tiptoeing around this monster sexually assaulting every massage therapist in the state and going on a sympathetic PR run just because he’s 2-1 is nauseating.”
The backlash wasn't just about the interview itself but also its timing. “This puff piece about a player overcoming the adversity of assaulting more than 20 women is bad enough— to air it this week in the wake of the Cornell 7 news is just sickening,” another user commented.
During the interview, Rooks asked Watson if he thought the skepticism from fans was “fair.” Watson responded, “Fair? Of course, to me, I’m gonna say no. But life isn’t fair, and I understand. I can accept my responsibilities and everything that I went through and feel and move forward.” He also admitted to struggling with the world “kind of flipping” against him.
The interview has reignited debates about how broadcast partners handle controversial figures. Critics argue that networks often prioritize access and ratings over accountability. This isn't the first time Watson has been the center of such scrutiny—his arrival in Cleveland was already polarizing, and Browns fans made their feelings clear on his first drive of the season.
Prime Video's decision to feature Watson also comes amid broader conversations about preferential treatment for star players in the NFL, a topic that has sparked frustration among players and fans alike. While Watson maintains his innocence and continues to play, the public's memory of the allegations remains sharp.
For now, the backlash serves as a reminder that in the world of sports media, every choice carries weight—and sometimes, the platform itself becomes the story.
