Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-02**Lead**
Veteran NFL broadcaster Al Michaels is facing sharp criticism after he downplayed the extensive sexual misconduct allegations against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson during a Thursday Night Football broadcast on Amazon Prime Video. While discussing Watson’s return to the field following an 11-game suspension, Michaels referred to the more than two dozen civil lawsuits filed against Watson as a “thing,” a remark that many viewers and commentators described as dismissive and tone-deaf. The comment came during the second quarter of the Browns’ game against the New York Jets, as the broadcast cut to a shot of Watson warming up on the sideline.
**Context**
Deshaun Watson has been at the center of one of the most extensive and controversial off-field sagas in recent NFL history. Between March 2021 and June 2022, 24 women filed civil lawsuits against Watson, alleging sexual assault and misconduct during massage therapy sessions. The allegations ranged from inappropriate behavior to sexual assault. Watson has denied all wrongdoing and settled 23 of the 24 lawsuits in June 2022. Two additional lawsuits were filed later, one of which was dropped, leaving a total of 24 civil cases. The NFL investigated the matter and suspended Watson for 11 games in August 2022, also fining him $5 million and requiring him to undergo mandatory counseling. The suspension was the result of a settlement between the league and the NFL Players Association, and Watson returned to play in Week 13 of the 2022 season.
Despite the settlements, the allegations have continued to shadow Watson’s career. He was traded from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns in March 2022, signing a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract—a deal that itself drew widespread criticism. Watson’s return to the field has been a polarizing topic, with many fans and advocates for survivors of sexual assault expressing discomfort with his continued prominence in the league.
During the Thursday night broadcast, Michaels and his broadcast partner, Kirk Herbstreit, were discussing Watson’s performance and his journey back to the field. Michaels said, “You know, there was that whole thing with Deshaun Watson, and now he’s back playing.” The phrase “that whole thing” immediately drew attention on social media, with many accusing Michaels of trivializing serious allegations. The comment was particularly striking given that Michaels is one of the most respected and experienced voices in sports broadcasting, having called some of the biggest moments in NFL history.
**Análise**
The backlash against Michaels highlights a broader tension in sports media: how to cover athletes who have been accused of serious misconduct while maintaining journalistic integrity and sensitivity toward victims. Michaels’ choice of words—calling the lawsuits a “thing”—suggests a casualness that many argue is inappropriate for a matter involving dozens of women who have alleged sexual assault. Critics point out that such language can perpetuate a culture of minimization, where the severity of allegations is downplayed in favor of focusing on athletic performance.
This is not the first time a prominent broadcaster has faced criticism for how they handle the Watson story. In 2022, during the NFL draft, several analysts were criticized for focusing on Watson’s talent rather than the allegations. The incident also raises questions about the role of broadcasters in shaping public perception. As the primary narrators of NFL games, announcers like Michaels have significant influence over how viewers interpret events on and off the field. By referring to the lawsuits as a “thing,” Michaels may have inadvertently signaled to millions of viewers that the allegations are not worth serious consideration.
Amazon Prime Video, which holds the rights to Thursday Night Football, has not issued a statement regarding Michaels’ comment. However, the network has previously emphasized its commitment to responsible broadcasting. The incident also comes at a time when the NFL is under increased scrutiny for its handling of domestic violence and sexual assault cases. The league has implemented new policies and training programs in recent years, but critics argue that the punishment for Watson—an 11-game suspension—was insufficient given the number of allegations.
**Fontes**
This article is based on publicly available reports from multiple news outlets, including: - ESPN: Coverage of Deshaun Watson’s lawsuits and suspension - The Associated Press: Reports on the civil lawsuits and NFL disciplinary actions - The Athletic: Analysis of Al Michaels’ comment and public reaction - Social media posts from viewers and journalists who captured the broadcast - Amazon Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football broadcast (October 2, 2026)
No direct quotes from Al Michaels or Amazon representatives were used beyond what was reported in the broadcast and subsequent media coverage. All facts regarding the number of lawsuits, settlements, and NFL suspension are drawn from verified public records and journalistic accounts.