{
  "id": 3620954,
  "title": "Jim Brown statue outside Browns’ stadium used to send Deshaun Watson message",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/jim-brown-statue-outside-browns-stadium-used-to-send-deshaun-watson",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-26T23:53:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Associated Press",
    "slug": "associated-press",
    "url": "https://apnews.com/article/deshaun-watson-browns-jim-brown-statue-070fd0ff8d27a8c04f1f41c0e2578b30"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Cleveland, a statue of Hall of Famer Jim Brown outside the Browns' stadium became a platform for protesters unhappy with the team's quarterback, Deshaun Watson. The demonstrators taped signs onto the statue, criticizing Brown's franchise for retaining Watson due to his troubled past. Watson, who was criticized by fans during Saturday's 31-7 preseason loss to Buffalo, will start the season as the team's starting quarterback, despite his recent suspension and numerous allegations. The controversy surrounding Watson's presence on the team began when he signed a $230 million contract in 2022. Watson had already been suspended for the first 11 games of that season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. Over two dozen women have accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior during massage sessions. Watson was also fined $5 million and required to undergo an evaluation before his return to the NFL. The signs on Brown's statue read \"280,000,000 27+ VICTIMS ZERO SUPPORTERS\" and \"PERMANENT DAMAGE TO THE CITY & FRANCHISE.\"",
  "summary": "CLEVELAND (AP) — Someone taped signs on Hall of Famer Jim Brown’s statue outside the Cleveland Browns ' stadium criticizing the team for having quarterback Deshaun Watson on…",
  "key_points": [
    "Protesters taped signs to Jim Brown statue criticizing Deshaun Watson",
    "Signs read \"$280,000,000 27+ VICTIMS ZERO SUPPORTERS\"",
    "Watson starts season as Browns' starting quarterback despite controversy"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The protesters' use of Jim Brown's statue to express discontent with Deshaun Watson highlights the quarterback's divisive presence and the team's perceived mishandling of his troubled past.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}