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In an ongoing series for Right Down Euclid, readers can submit their questions about anything related to Cleveland sports and we'll answer them to the best of our ability. So, with that said, today Right Down Euclid will answer your questions, and hopefully more, on this edition of the weekly mailbag.
But, before we get started, a quick housekeeping note. I'm riding again in this year's VeloSano to help in the ongoing battle against cancer! If you or anyone you know have been impacted by cancer, I'd appreciate your financial support by donating to my fundraiser page and sharing, if possible!
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Here is a direct link to my fundraiser page. You have until October 1 to donate! Thank you for your support!
Hi, Evan. I appreciate how outspoken you've been on your platform on all the despicable things that Deshaun Watson has done. But, I'm a lifelong Browns fan and I can't quit them, even if I'm disgusted by their quarterback's actions. How can I still root for them? – Tracy C.
First of all, thank you for the kind words. If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or at https://www.rainn.org. Never be afraid to speak up and advocate for yourself. Also know that Right Down Euclid will remain a safe space and mindful of those who have been through any instance of sexual assault.
But, to answer your question… it's complicated. I actually have talked about it several times with friends and family who, before this offseason, proudly bled orange and brown. In fact, my partner, who recently became a Browns fan, is dealing with similar issues as she loves the Browns and it was something we bonded over early into our relationship. But, now she and everyone else are struggling to find a way to justifiably keep rooting for them.
To be frank, Deshaun Watson is a sexual predator and Right Down Euclid strongly agreed with the sentiment that he should've been suspended indefinitely for what he did to countless women. While he's suspended for the first 11 games of this upcoming NFL season, it'll be a bit more palatable for some to root for the Browns while he's not on the field. But, when he does return the following week against the Houston Texans, the same internal conflict is going to rear its head once again.
Now, I'm not going to tell anyone how to be a fan or how to root for their favorite teams. No one can be the judge, jury and executioner of fandom. But, the way I've somehow found a shred of solace in this otherwise abhorrent situation is to find players to root for instead of the team. When their success leads to the success of the Browns, it also makes it a tiny bit more palatable to root for them as well.
For example…
Myles Garrett is a superstar and arguably one of the best players in the NFL and also is an advocate for civil rights and social justice. He's also huge on supporting everyone in the greater-Cleveland community, especially children and their education.
Nick Chubb is a stud running back and will likely be carrying the Browns on offense any time they're on the gridiron. Like Garrett, Chubb also supported First Candle, an organization committed to ending Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related infant deaths through his Chubb Crunch cereal.
Denzel Ward is a local product from nearby Nordonia that also starred at Ohio State. That alone should get any Browns fan or Buck-nut going but Ward also is an advocate for providing resources to educate and activate people to take action when it comes to heart health through his Make Them Know Your Name Foundation.
There are other examples as well that can make it a bit easier for any fan to find a way to root for the Browns this NFL season. By no means does this make what Watson, or what Browns ownership and management, have done and said okay in any sense of the word. It also probably feels like a limp-wristed response to your question. But, as I said, it's complicated to find the right answer to the problem acquiring Watson created, and, by no means, should he be allowed to take away fandom from anyone without their consent.
Unfortunately, what he did is going to eventually fall by the wayside once the Browns start winning and the cult of personality fandom chugs the Kool-Aid. But, if you're able to not forget what he did and why the Browns ended up in this situation, that's all that matters in the end.
How do you think the Guardian will finish the season? – Grant F.
First off, Cleveland Guardians takeaways will be back starting next week, barring anything unforeseen! But, I think Cleveland will finish the MLB season with the fifth-best record in the American League at 86-76. They just keep finding ways to remain competitive no matter the odds. All in all not a bad first year under a new moniker.
Did you see Collin play in Miami? He looks like he's all the way back! – Mariza K.
Actually, I did check out Collin Sexton's first time on the court since he was sidelined back in November of last year. And, as you said, he didn't really disappoint either. But, this is no disrespect to the folks Sexton was going up against (any of them could cook me on the court) but I don't know if it's a full indicator of Sexton being all the way back.
If anything, it looks like he's very comfortable physically on both ends of the floor and that's a wonderful thing to see! But, I need to see him in actual NBA-level action before I fully evaluate where he's at in regard to his game. This is a great first step towards that, though.
Do you have thoughts on the settlement Watson and the NFL reached? – Nick G.
I have a lot, to be honest. But, I want to give those who are grieving this decision their space before I come barging in with my opinion. Look for an op-ed when the time feels appropriate.
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Twitter
See @ColdpIayMX's post on Twitter.
twitter.com/ColdpIayMX
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This one is hard and I've been going back and forth on it ever since it was asked. But, I think I've come to a decision on a final answer:
- Song: Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)
- Album: Blond by Frank Ocean
- Artist: Tyler, the Creator
Featured image credit: Nick Cammett/Getty Images
Evan Dammarell is a sports journalist covering all things Cleveland right off the shores of Lake Erie. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. You can also email him at evan@downeuclid.com. Did you enjoy this edition of Right Down Euclid? You can get it in your inbox two to three times a week by subscribing here. All it takes is either your Facebook account or email address!
