CLEMSON — Clemson alum Deshaun Watson recently took a trip to Saudi Arabia, voicing support for American football game to be played in the region.
Watson, the Cleveland Browns' quarterback, posted about his trek to the country on Twitter/X on April 23, saying "God willing, we will see the (American football) in Saudi Arabia soon. May peace be with you!"
"I think diving into the culture of Saudi Arabia has been very, very interesting — but in a positive and great way," Watson said in a video posted to the social media platform. "Of course, being in the States, you hear one thing. But once you get over here, around the people, around the families, the city, the vibes and the auras, very, very, very special.
"It's very happy. Very positive energy. Very clean."
These words, predictably, generated a backlash, because Saudi Arabia has been accused in recent years of "sportswashing" — the practice of using athletic events to promote the country's reputation despite a poor human rights record.
The most publicized example in recent years has been the Saudis' investment in LIV Golf, using large sums of money to attract big names from the PGA Tour and, inevitably, drive toward a merger of the two leagues.
Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo has been paid more than $200 million a year by the Saudi squad Al Nassr, according to reports. Saudi Arabia is expected to host the World Cup in 2034, which comes after another oil-rich nation in the region, Qatar, served as host in 2022.
From boxing, to tennis, to Formula 1 racing, Saudi Arabia has poured billions of dollars into sports as part of its "Vision 2030" to diversify the country's economy beyond oil. While the nation's leaders point to sports as an opportunity to open up the country and connect with the rest of the world, critics see these endeavors as an attempt obscure the nature of Saudi Arabia's religious monarchy, which suppresses free speech, jails political opponents, and has only recently allowed women to drive cars and not wear head coverings.
In 2022, the country beheaded 81 prisoners in one day. In 2018, journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed in the Saudi consulate in Turkey, which U.S. intelligence agencies reportedly believe was an assassination approved by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
"We're not saying we're perfect, but what I'm trying to say is these things help us achieve a better future for our population," Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud, the nation's minister of sport, said in an interview with 60 Minutes in 2023 when he was pressed on the issue of "sportswashing."
Watson, who led Clemson to a national championship in 2016, has become no stranger to controversy.
While he was with the Houston Texans, Watson was taken to court in 2022 by two dozen female masseuses who accused him of sexual misconduct. The NFL suspended Watson for the first 11 games of his tenure with Cleveland, where he signed to a five-year, $230 million contract.
Watson was hosted by Prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad during his trip to Saudi Arabia. Bin Mosaad founded United World Group, which has a stake in soccer clubs in England, France, Belgium and other countries, but the 59-year-old Bin Mosaad is also a noted American football fan.
On his Instagram page, @Saudi49er, Bin Mosaad posted a picture on April 19, welcoming Watson to the country. Bin Mosaad was holding a 49ers helmet, while Watson posed with one from the Browns.
"We really enjoyed having you in Saudi, I wish you and your family health and happiness," Bin Mosaad posted to Twitter/X on April 23. "I wish you the best of luck in every game you play except when you play against you know who!"
That same day, Watson was also featured in three videos on the @NFLARAB account on Twitter/X, wearing the Arabian Peninsula's traditional white robe, or thawb, along with the customary red and white headdress.
"Being able to meet everyone, being able to try the food, being able to try the new look and the attire," Watson said in a video post, "just being able to dive into the culture, and really see how people are living each and every day in Saudi Arabia, has been super fun."
In one of the videos, Watson said he had "many more trips planned" to Saudi Arabia. Next time, he would like to block out time to visit with Saudis who are playing American football. He also encouraged the creation of flag football leagues for both men and women.
He also alluded to Americans coming over to the country to play a football game for Saudi fans.
"I think that will bring more attention to American football in the Middle East region," Watson said. "I think having a game out here would change people's perspectives, seeing the athletes, seeing the players come out here and grind, get into the culture, know the history behind this beautiful country … once we can do that, I think that would be a great opportunity for American football to come to this region."
