Deshaun Watson didn’t refuse to run a fourth-down play on Sunday [Video]

As the saying goes, a lie makes it halfway around the world before the truth can put its pants on. When social media gets involved, a mischaracterization does, too.

At a time when a feeding frenzy has emerged regarding the not-as-tenuous-as-it-would-be-anywhere-else status of Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, the mischaracterization of a moment during Sunday’s game against the Commanders has become the latest bucket of chum — even if the dead fish are bait not for sharks but engagement.

The video was perceived as Watson refusing to stay on the field for a fourth-down play. Watson walked off as his teammates remained. Cut to coach Kevin Stefanski, who looked exasperated by the turn of events. Which was seen as Stefanski becoming flummoxed by Watson apparently quitting on the drive.

Enter the truth. Which has been chasing the falsehood for more than 24 hours.

As Stefanski explained it after the game, the Browns had …