The Cleveland Browns made a crucial decision on Monday by finally announcing their starting quarterback for Week 1. Yet, before the Browns named Deshaun Watson as the starter, the former Pro Bowl QB was booed by the fanbase during the team’s second preseason game.
After the game ended, Watson said it was a “disrespectful thing” to hear, but he didn’t sound surprised, noting that the jeers came from the “same fanbase” who cheered when he tore his Achilles in 2024.
The press conference was completely unexpected, and most would agree it was a bit strange.
Browns’ Insider ‘Working PR’ for Deshaun Watson?
One person who had a lot to say about Watson’s press conference is longtime local Cleveland.com reporter Mary Kay Cabot.
During a recent appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show,” Cabot said she “almost thought he was going to come to tears,” referring to Watson’s rant. Cabot suggested that it’s been a “very, very difficult” and lengthy recovery process for Watson, and his words were simply a reflection of everything he’s gone through.
Yet, after Cabot went to bat for Watson, some on X went as far as to accuse her of trying to indulge in some public relations work for the Browns and/or their newly anointed starting QB.
Honestly, this is just embarrassing for a media member to do this. Like, stop, trying to create sympathy for someone who clearly has disdain for the #Browns fanbase. No media member should ever allow an organization have them do PR to this level #DeshaunWatson https://t.co/ttAbaB9tzn
— The Ball Out (@theballoutmedia) August 25, 2026
Another commenter agreed, saying Cabot is “definitely working PR” not just for Browns owner Haslam, but for Watson as well.
“She is definitely working PR not just for Haslam but for Watson. This is crazy.”
She is definitely working PR not just for Haslam but for Watson. This is crazy https://t.co/OzRW2IgBeQ
— Amanda (@hey_itsmandi) August 25, 2026
Commenters kept going, wondering, “Why is she doing PR for Deshaun Watson?”
Why is she doing PR for Deshaun Watson https://t.co/PNRS2C3VIl
— Jordan Tomiyama (@Jttomiyama) August 25, 2026
Another suggested she was doing PR work, but for the Browns ownership group instead of Watson.
One commenter simply reacted with, “Oh, good lord.”
Others are apparently growing tired of Cabot, even though she’s viewed as a respected Browns reporter, having worked the beat for over 30 years.
“MKC is starting to bother me bad… Enough is Enough.”
MKC is starting bother me bad… Enough is Enough. https://t.co/z45yVsMOOo pic.twitter.com/cP2Z4Ye4Rk
— Larmy Vallot Jr/LJ Vallot (@LJVallot) August 25, 2026
While Cabot has surely gotten to know the human side of Watson since he arrived via a blockbuster trade with a fully guaranteed $230 million contract in 2022, fans don’t want to hear her reporting on his remorse.
