Conspiracy theories are rife in Cleveland.
Following quarterback Deshaun Watson's brutal 33-17 home defeat to the Cowboys in Sunday's season opener, Browns fans are speculating that social media pages defending their embattled star player may possibly be throwaway accounts.
Internet Detectives Zone In X Account Leroy Bickerstaff (@LeroyBickers4) posted glowing comments about Watson despite his disappointing start to the season.
The account was created this month, with its first tweet posted on Sept. 8, the day of the Browns' loss.
“4 [Watson’s jersey number] With a tackle like Trent Williams, he could have achieved that greatness… You can’t be successful if you don’t have the opportunity behind you.” Posted by Bickerstaff X's Monday.
Watson supporters also responded to a Cleveland fan page on Monday. Written“I'm glad the fake Browns fans have already given up on this team. It's going to be okay.”
“Someone understands…one game is not a big deal. We're just waiting for the O-line and the play calling to stop blocking him from being great.” Read Bickerstaff's post.
Bickerstaff even took aim at Stephen A. Smith on Monday, following his harsh criticism of Watson on “First Take.”
“I'm not saying they're a bad team, but their quarterback may be terrible.” Smith says In a clip posted to X, Bickerstaff responded, “@stephenasmith has never played a sport in her life but always wants to talk like she is a sportsman… she'll say anything to get clicks instead of stating the facts.”
Watson, just two years into his five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract, threw one touchdown and two interceptions for 169 yards on Sunday and was sacked six times.
The former first-round draft pick of the Texans underwent shoulder surgery in November and played in just six games last season.
Veteran Joe Flacco also signed with the team that month and helped lead Cleveland to the postseason, earning a Comeback Player of the Year nomination in the process.
Watson's struggles continue off the field. Women who accuse others of sexual assault The new lawsuit filed Monday stems from an incident that allegedly took place in October 2020.
The Clemson University product was suspended 11 games in 2022 and fined $5 million by the league after allegations of sexual misconduct by a massage therapist.
Of the 24 civil lawsuits filed against Watson, 23 were settled in 2022. According to ESPN:.
Speculation about Watson's burner account isn't the only theory circulating.
Dan Le Batard suggested on his eponymous show this week that the leak of the new lawsuit may have come from someone with ties to the team.
“There are a lot of people who would defend this kind of behavior if they think the quarterback is good, and strategically leaking information that makes people suspect he's trying to get out of a contract is pretty egregious,” he said.
“this [are] It’s so cold and awful that it almost feels like the Browns are trying to see if they can sneak out of there, even though they shouldn’t be able to.”
Watson will have a cap hit of $72.9 million per year over the next two seasons. Per Over the Cap.
The Browns will host the Jaguars on Sunday, while Jacksonville will also be looking for its first win since losing its season opener to the Dolphins.
