"A sick couple through & through, she should be ashamed as a woman" - Jimmy and Dee Haslam's bizarre defense of Deshaun Watson earns ire of NFL fans

The NFL and its player union (NFLPA) finally reached an agreement on the Deshaun Watson matter and settled on an 11-game suspension and $5 million fine for the quarterback. He has also been sentenced to undergo mandatory evaluation and follow a treatment program.

Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam attended a press conference after the quarterback's suspension was finalized. When asked by reporters for his thoughts on the situation, he stated that Watson fully deserves a second chance.

“I think in this country and hopefully in the world, people deserve second chances. I really think that.”

He further defended the organization's decision to trade for Watson despite the pending sexual misconduct lawsuits.

“And I struggle a little bit — is he (Watson) never supposed to play again? Is he never supposed to be part of society? Does he get no chance to rehabilitate himself? But we strongly believe — strongly believe — people deserve a second chance. We believe Deshaun Watson deserves a second chance."

However, the statement that drew the most attention was this:

"It's important to remember Deshaun Watson is 26 years old, and he's a hell of an NFL quarterback."

Haslam's comments left fans outraged on Twitter. Here are some of the top reactions on the social media platform:

Watson is scheduled to miss Cleveland's upcoming preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. He will be eligible to return to action in Week 13 when the Browns go up against his former team, the Houston Texans.

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Deshaun Watson maintains innocence despite issuing 'apology' to those involved in sexual misconduct saga

Deshaun Watson continues to claim that he did nothing wrong

The Cleveland Browns released a statement on Deshaun Watson's behalf after the extended suspension was announced. It showcased him issuing an apology to those affected during the saga.

However, the 26-year-old has actively denied the sexual assault allegations made against him from the beginning. He spoke to reporters after the statement was released and clarified that he still maintains his innocence and felt compelled to apologize only because "there were a lot of people triggered."

"Yeah, I'm moving, I'm moving on with my career and my life. And I'll continue to stand on my innocence just because, you know, settlement and things like that happen doesn't mean that a person is as guilty for anything.

"I feel like person has the opportunity to stand on his innocence and prove that. And we prove that on the legal side. And we just got to continue to push forward as an individual and as a person. "

In Watson's absence, the Browns are expected to field Jacoby Brissett for the first few games of the season.