Adam Schefter of ESPN Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN's Adam Schefter blasted for report on Browns' Deshaun Watson

ESPN's Adam Schefter took hits from peers following his report about Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. 

Over the weekend, Schefter pointed out that sources told him Watson has made "'signs of progress' during his mandatory treatment program" that is part of the settlement between the NFL and NFL Players Association. It also involved the 27-year-old serving an 11-game suspension related to allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. As shared by the Barrett Sports Media website, media members and fans took to Twitter to blast Schefter regarding the report considering that Watson has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing: 

"The story felt like a PR favor and it was weird it was even run," Andrew Marchand of the New York Post wrote. "There were no examples of what progress even means. Has he not assaulted anyone? Does he understand what he did wrong? Watson has declined to answer questions about it. Given the unknowns, it seems like you’d need to go back to the 'sources,' who were willing to say that they have seen 'signs of progress,' and ask them in what way? To run it as a Sunday morning pregame splash felt off." 

The Browns traded with the Houston Texans in March for Watson and then signed him to a five-year contract reportedly worth $230 million in fully guaranteed money after it became clear he would not be charged with a crime. Two grand juries in Texas declined to indict him on criminal charges, and his legal team has thus far settled 23 lawsuits filed against him. 

Two lawsuits remain active, including one filed last month. 

Watson made his Browns regular-season debut at none other than the Texans on Sunday and helped Cleveland notch a 27-14 victory that improved the club to 5-7 on the season. He completed just 12-of-22 passes for 131 yards with no touchdowns and an interception in the win. 

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio mentioned that Watson declined "to address whether he feels remorse" about the allegations that still hover over the quarterback's head following Sunday's game. 

"I did everything that I was asked and was required to do," Watson responded when asked if he feels "remorse for the actions that got you suspended." 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Thursday's NCAA men's tournament Sweet 16 takeaways: New faces going to the Elite Eight
Did breakup with J-Lo cost Alex Rodriguez the Timberwolves?
Draymond Green explains what happened with his latest ejection
Rob Manfred makes first public comments on MLB’s Shohei Ohtani investigation
Watch: Mike Trout hits first home run of 2024 MLB season off Corbin Burnes
Jets owner blasts report about alleged 'heated conversation' with HC Robert Saleh
Browns GM names player he wants to 'retain as long as possible'
UNC HC Mack Brown explains why ceiling for QB Drake Maye is 'so high'
Watch: Massive three-point swing helps No. 4 Alabama stun No. 1 North Carolina in Sweet 16
Watch: Diamondbacks set franchise record with 14-run inning
UConn continues historic run of dominance after rout of San Diego State
No. 2 Arizona beat themselves in Sweet 16 upset to No. 6 Clemson
Watch: Rangers' World Series banner unveiling leaves a lot to be desired
Watch: Kendall Diggs' three-run blast lifts Arkansas to victory over LSU
Watch: Juan Soto cuts down runner at plate to save game for Yankees
Royals' Cole Ragans sets franchise record in impressive Opening Day start
Guardians trade for two pitchers to round out Opening Day roster
Patrick Beverley's decision to play through his injury is a boost for Bucks
Corbin Burnes dominates in Orioles debut, significantly raises their ceiling
Watch: Base running error spoils Shohei Ohtani's first home Dodgers at-bat