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sports Saturday 19 March 2022
AP source: Deshaun Watson changes mind, joining Browns

By TOM WITHERS capable of being a qual-
AP Sports Writer ity starter after leading the
Deshaun Watson changed Browns to the playoffs in
his mind. The Browns have 2020.
their franchise quarter- Indianapolis, New Orleans
back, one with some extra and Seattle are among the
heavy baggage. possible landing spots for
Watson decided to waive Mayfield.
his no-trade clause and the After the Browns were ini-
controversial QB accepted tially rejected by Watson,
a trade to Cleveland af- the team was trying to fig-
ter previously rejecting the ure out how to mend a bro-
team, a person familiar ken relationship with him.
with the decision told The That's no longer necessary
Associated Press on Friday. as Cleveland's focus will
Watson, who didn't play shift to welcoming Watson.
last season for Houston, Watson had also been
had informed the Browns courted by Atlanta, Car-
on Thursday that he wasn't olina and New Orleans.
coming. However, he had Cleveland seemed to have
a change of heart and the longest odds to get
called the team Friday, him, but he was intrigued
said the person who spoke In this Dec. 27, 2020, file photo, Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson throws a pass during by their talented roster,
on condition of anonymity an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Houston. which includes star defen-
because the team has not Associated Press sive end Myles Garrett and
announced the imminent running back Nick Chubb.
trade. Watson will be joining a also facing a likely suspen- of Watson angered incum- Cleveland's pursuit of Wat-
The Browns are paying a Cleveland team with plen- sion by the NFL for violating bent starter Baker Mayfield, son must have been helped
hefty price for Watson, ty of talent, but one that the league's personal con- who requested a trade. by the team signing free
sending the Texans three underachieved last season duct policy. Cleveland turned down agent wide receiver Amari
first-round draft picks along and has been in search of His arrival in Cleveland will Mayfield's demand be- Cooper last week as well.
with a third- and fourth- a franchise quarterback for likely be met with a back- fore learning Watson had Browns owners Dee and
rounder for the 26-year- years. The three-time Pro lash by some fans, but the agreed to waive his no- Jimmy Haslam have spent
old. Cleveland will also get Bowler became a target Browns are comfortable trade clause and jump to the entirety of their tenure
back a fifth-rounder from of the Browns after a grand with his character after do- the AFC North. trying to find the right quar-
Houston with Watson. jury declined to indict him ing their own investigation. Mayfield will likely be dealt terback. The team had
Watson posted a photo on on sexual misconduct ESPN first reported Watson's in the next few days and tried almost every possible
Instagram of him wearing claims made by 22 women. decision. there are several teams avenue, signing veteran
a No. 4 Browns jersey and Watson is still dealing with Watson will receive a five- that may be interested in free agents and drafting
flexing. He wrote: "Cleve- civil lawsuits from the wom- year, $230 million guaran- signing the 26-year-old. He college stars like Johnny
land, LETSSSS GOOOO!! en, massage therapists teed contract, according struggled last season after Manziel and Mayfield, who
#DawgPound Ready To who accused him of as- to NFL Network. injuring his left shoulder in was selected first overall in
Work!" sault and harassment. He's The Browns' public pursuit Week 2, but has shown he's 2018.q

Penn's Thomas becomes first transgender woman to win NCAAs

By CHARLES ODUM Virginia's Emma Weyant transition in 2019 by start-
AP Sports Writer was second at 4:34.99. ing hormone replacement
ATLANTA (AP) — Lia Thom- The race was close until the therapy.
as took control in the final final 100 yards, with Wey- The inclusion of the trans-
100 yards of the 500-yard ant and Erica Sullivan of gender swimmer created
freestyle to make history Texas pushing Thomas for controversy, even within
Thursday as the first trans- the lead. The three swam the sport. There were fewer
gender woman to win an in lanes three through five, than 10 protesters outside
NCAA swimming champi- adding to the drama, with the Georgia Tech facility,
onship. Thomas in the middle. and some carried banners
Thomas, the University of As was the case in Thursday which read "Save Women's
Pennsylvania senior who morning in a preliminary Sports" in the stands.
entered the NCAA wom- win, Thomas was stronger "I try to ignore it as much
en's swimming and diving at the end. She won the as I can," Thomas said. "I try
championships as the top preliminary race at 4:33.82. to focus on my swimming
seed, had a season-best Sullivan was third at 4:35.92. .. and just try to block out Pennsylvania's Lia Thomas competes in a preliminary heat in
the 500-yard freestyle at the NCAA women's swimming and
time of 4 minutes, 33.24 Stanford's Brooke Forde everything else." diving championships Thursday, March 17, 2022, in at Georgia
seconds. was fourth at 4:36.18. Thomas spoke with ESPN Tech in Atlanta.
"I didn't have a whole lot of Thomas also is the top seed immediately after the race Associated Press
expectation for this meet," in the 200 freestyle Friday but would not participate
said Thomas, a former and is the 10th seed in the in the official news confer- could come following Tennessee's Julia Mrozin-
male swimmer for Penn- 100 freestyle Saturday. ence, as required by the evaluation by the NCAA's ski won the consolation fi-
sylvania. "I was just happy Thomas has followed NCAA. swimming and diving nal with a time of 4:37.35.
to be here and race and NCAA and Ivy League Since participation is re- championships commit- Northwestern's Lola Mull
compete the best I could." rules since she began her quired, possible action tee. was second.q