Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-02**Lead**
During a recent NFL broadcast on Amazon Prime Video, veteran play-by-play announcer Al Michaels sparked immediate backlash when he referred to Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s two dozen sexual misconduct lawsuits as “the whole Deshaun Watson thing.” The remark, made in passing while discussing the team’s performance, was widely condemned by advocates, journalists, and fans who argued that it trivialized a pattern of serious allegations involving more than two dozen women. The incident has reignited a broader conversation about how sports media frames off-field misconduct, particularly when the accused remains a high-profile player.
**Context**
Deshaun Watson, 29, has faced at least 24 civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions, filed between March 2021 and 2022. The allegations range from inappropriate behavior to sexual assault. In June 2022, Watson settled 20 of those lawsuits; four others were later dismissed or settled under confidential terms. Two separate grand juries in Texas declined to bring criminal charges, but the NFL conducted its own investigation and suspended Watson for 11 games in 2022, fining him $5 million and requiring him to undergo mandatory counseling. The league also imposed a strict behavioral evaluation program that remains in effect.
Al Michaels, 79, is one of the most recognizable voices in American sports broadcasting, having called Super Bowls, World Series, and Olympic events for NBC and later Amazon. His career spans more than five decades, and he is widely respected for his professionalism. However, his offhand characterization of Watson’s legal troubles as a “thing” — a term often used to downplay or dismiss complex issues — drew immediate scrutiny. The comment occurred during a Monday Night Football broadcast on October 2, 2026, while Michaels and his broadcast partner Kirk Herbstreit were discussing the Browns’ playoff chances.
**Analysis**
The choice of language by a broadcaster of Michaels’ stature carries significant weight. By reducing two dozen lawsuits involving allegations of sexual misconduct to a vague “thing,” Michaels implicitly signals to millions of viewers that these are not matters requiring serious attention or moral judgment. This framing aligns with a troubling pattern in sports media, where off-field controversies involving star players are often euphemized, minimized, or treated as distractions from the game. Such language can shape public perception, especially among casual fans who may not follow the legal details closely.
Critics argue that the term “thing” strips the allegations of their gravity and the women involved of their agency. Advocacy groups, including the National Organization for Women and local sexual assault survivor networks, have called for broadcasters to adopt more precise language when discussing cases of alleged misconduct. The incident also raises questions about the role of networks like Amazon Prime Video, which pay billions for NFL broadcasting rights, in ensuring that their on-air talent does not normalize behavior that the league itself has deemed serious enough to warrant suspension and financial penalties.
Moreover, the timing of Michaels’ comment is notable. It comes amid a broader cultural reckoning with how institutions — from the NFL to the media — handle allegations of sexual violence. The league has faced repeated criticism for its handling of cases involving players like Ray Rice, Ezekiel Elliott, and Antonio Brown. Watson’s case, in particular, has been a flashpoint because of the sheer number of accusers and the NFL’s initial reluctance to suspend him before an independent disciplinary officer ruled. By glossing over the details, Michaels may inadvertently reinforce a narrative that the league’s disciplinary actions are sufficient and that further scrutiny is unnecessary.
**Sources**
- Amazon Prime Video broadcast of Monday Night Football, October 2, 2026 (publicly available replay). - ESPN reporting on Deshaun Watson’s lawsuits and NFL suspension (2021–2022). - NFL official disciplinary ruling and settlement details (2022). - Statements from the National Organization for Women and other advocacy groups responding to the broadcast (October 2026). - The Associated Press coverage of Al Michaels’ career and previous controversial remarks.