Tom Withers, Author at Athol Daily News

FILE - Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson stands on the field before an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears, on Aug. 27, 2022, in Cleveland. Watson can begin practicing on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, as part of his agreement with the NFL on an 11-game suspension after being accused of sexual misconduct by two dozen women when he played for Houston. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)

Browns QB Watson cleared to practice as suspension nears end

by Tom Withers Associated PressNovember 14, 2022November 14, 2022

CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson’s return from an 11-game NFL suspension remains on schedule.Cleveland’s No. 1 quarterback was cleared to practice Monday, a significant step for the three-time Pro Bowler accused of sexual misconduct by more than two dozen…

FILE - New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) hands the football to coach Bill Belichick after rushing for his first career touchdown, during the team's NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. Brissett looks back fondly on his rookie season with New England, where he was thrust into a starting job, learned the Patriot Way while teammates with Tom Brady and won a Super Bowl. Belichick traded him the following year. Brissett...

Browns QB Brissett set for reunion with Patriots, Belichick

by Tom Withers Associated PressOctober 14, 2022October 14, 2022

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jacoby Brissett takes questions during the news conference after an NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, in Cleveland. The Browns lost 30-28. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Browns QB Brissett still confident despite late-game gaffes

by Tom Withers Associated PressOctober 12, 2022October 12, 2022

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson speaks to the media, Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022, in Berea, Ohio, after the team announced that Watson has reached a settlement with the NFL and will serve an 11-game unpaid suspension and pay a 5 million fine rather than risk missing his first season as quarterback of the Cleveland Browns following accusations of sexual misconduct while he played for the Houston Texans. (Joshua Gunter/Cleveland.com via AP)

Browns’ Deshaun Watson suspended 11 games, fined $5 million

by Tom Withers Associated PressAugust 18, 2022August 18, 2022

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson looks to throw during NFL football practice in Berea, Ohio, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

P sources: Talks on possible Watson settlement progress

by Rob Maaddi Associated Press, and Tom Withers Associated PressAugust 17, 2022

FILE - Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) warms up before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, on Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. Mayfield's rocky run with Cleveland officially ended Wednesday, July 6, 2022, with the Browns trading the divisive quarterback and former No. 1 overall draft pick to the Carolina Panthers, a person familiar with the deal told the Associated Press. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Browns finally trade Mayfield, send quarterback to Panthers

by Tom Withers Associated PressJuly 6, 2022July 6, 2022

FILE - Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) practices with the team during NFL football practice Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, in Houston. A judge has declined efforts by attorneys for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson to delay all his depositions in connection with lawsuits filed by 22 women who have accused him of sexual assault and harassment. During a court hearing Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, defense attorney Rusty Hardin asked that depositions be delayed until the end of a...

AP source: Browns swap linebackers with Pats, meeting Watson

by Tom Withers Associated PressMarch 15, 2022March 15, 2022

Eastern Conference coach Bill Fitch of the Boston Celtics congratulates Robert Parish, also of the Celtics, after he grabbed the game-ending rebound to nail down the team’s 120-118 win over the Western Conference in the NBA All-Star game at the Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford, N.J., Feb. 1, 1982. Fitch died Wednesday at age 89.

Hall of Fame coach Bill Fitch dies, led Celtics to 1981 title

by Tom Withers Associated PressFebruary 3, 2022February 3, 2022

Cleveland Browns' Nick Chubb (24) runs during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)

Browns’ Nick Chubb tests positive for COVID-19, could miss New England game

by Tom Withers Associated PressNovember 9, 2021November 9, 2021

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Cleveland. Beckham Jr. has been excused from practice for the second straight day as the Cleveland Browns figure out their next move with the polarizing wide receiver, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Disconnect: Browns cut ties with Odell Beckham Jr., end drama-filled stay

by Tom Withers Associated PressNovember 5, 2021November 5, 2021