Philadelphia Phillies legend’s wife cancels Cleveland Browns season tickets after Deshaun Watson trade
Andrea Thome, wife of Hall of Famer and former Philadelphia Phillies star Jim Thome, took a stand on Twitter this week in light of the Cleveland Browns trading for Deshaun Watson and giving him an enormous new contract.
They may not give us a refund. But I sent the letter today. If @Browns won’t refund—-I will auction off every single game and publicly donate every cent to different women’s crisis charities in N.E. Ohio, raising awareness week by week during the season.
— Andrea Thome 📚📸✈️❤️⚾️✌️ (@AndreaThome) March 26, 2022
22 lawsuits were filed against Watson by numerous women who allege that he sexually harassed or assaulted them. A grand jury declined to indict him on criminal charges earlier this month, but he is still facing civil lawsuits regarding sexual assault and misconduct.
Watson signed a four-year contract valued at $156M in 2020. Immediately after trading for him, the Browns signed him to a new contract for five years and $230M guaranteed, which is the most guaranteed money in NFL history.
Unsurprisingly, Mrs. Thome received quite a bit of backlash after her announcement, prompting her to tweet several more times, and respond to a few people. There were also many people in her corner who applauded her for taking a stand. Scrolling through her replies, she was courteous and kind, even to the worst commenters.
My husband surprised me with the season tickets for Mother's Day. He doesn't have social media and is smart enough to avoid most news, so he wasn't aware of those incidents. He's busy working two jobs. This was my personal line. To each his own.
— Andrea Thome 📚📸✈️❤️⚾️✌️ (@AndreaThome) March 26, 2022
Matt, I was taught not to hide my light under a bushel basket. That’s why I shared. Just trying to shine a light on women in crisis. All the best to you as we do, indeed, say goodbye.
— Andrea Thome 📚📸✈️❤️⚾️✌️ (@AndreaThome) March 26, 2022
Out of sight, out of mind. Have a joyful weekend! 😎 pic.twitter.com/1t7sY5hk5Z
— Andrea Thome 📚📸✈️❤️⚾️✌️ (@AndreaThome) March 26, 2022
A final word. I never called anyone guilty. 22 accusers. That’s enough for me to make a decision that I have every right to make without being incessantly bullied by keyboard warriors. I’m stepping away for a week, but I wish you all peace. Grateful for all of the support. ❤️✌🏼
— Andrea Thome 📚📸✈️❤️⚾️✌️ (@AndreaThome) March 26, 2022
While her husband grew up in Illinois, Mrs. Thome says she grew up in Ohio, a longtime supporter of the Browns. The Thomes are known for their philanthropy; he was awarded the Marvin Miller Man of the Year award twice, and the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award.
Thome played for the Phillies twice, totaling four seasons between 2003-05 and part of his final season in 2012. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018, his first year on the ballot.
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