Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson Endorses NFL Expansion to Saudi Arabia in a Tweet Critics Argue He Was Obviously Paid to Post

Ahmad Austin Jr.Apr 24th, 2024, 4:32 pm
 
Deshaun Watson

Terrance Williams/AP

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson called for the NFL to bring games to Saudi Arabia in a tweet that many believe he was paid to post.

In the Tuesday tweet, Watson revealed that he had just returned from a trip to Saudi Arabia. He bizarrely named six different Saudi soccer clubs and even tagged Prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad in the tweet.

“I had a nice time visiting Saudi Arabia and learned a lot about the original Saudi culture and society,” Watson said. “And I enjoyed watching Al-Nassar, Al-Al-Wali and Al-Hilal, Al-Zaim, and I heard a lot about the singing of Al-Ahly fans and Al-Ittihad.

“Special thanks to His Royal Highness Prince @Saudi49er for the hospitality and generosity. And God willing, we will see the [football] in Saudi Arabia soon. May peace be with you! @NFLARAB @ssc_sports.”

Commenters were quick to claim it was a paid tweet.

The assumption isn’t completely unfounded. When Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo signed with Saudi club Al-Nassr, it was reported his annual salary could reach $200 million through “commercial agreements.” That includes speaking positively about the country on social media.

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