Reviewers have been raving about the most recent episode of awful NFL theater. They aren’t very nice. On Thursday, the sordid saga of Deshaun Watson took a new twist as the NFL and its players union agreed to fine and suspend Cleveland’s serial massage therapist abuser. Watson and the Browns did not close the book on this sorry chapter. They only added to the drama by inciting outrage.
Watson received an 11-game suspension and $5 million fine. The NFL and the Browns will each pay $1 million to “relevant nonprofit organizations that work to minimize and prevent sexual misconduct and assault.” Watson’s suspension runs from Aug. 30 to Nov. 28. He’ll be eligible to play Dec. 4 against his former team, the Houston Texans.
Robert Griffin III, a former pro quarterback, blasted the NFL, which “had an opportunity to show it had learned from its ugly history on standing up for Women with this Deshaun Watson case and IT FAILED. 11 games and a 5 million dollar fine doesn’t fit what he was accused of doing and found to have done by Judge Sue L. Robinson. Sickening.”
Liam McKeone (who writes for The Big Lead) slammed Watson and the Browns.
Watson, the king of denial, “went in front of reporters and immediately reminded everybody he feels zero remorse about what happened, going as far to say that he only apologized for the people that were ‘triggered’ and not because he felt like he did anything wrong,” McKeone wrote.
Watson isn’t capable of grasping the reality of his own villainy. He thanked the Browns for their support and said he’s sorry “for any pain this situation has caused.” And now he’s off to live his best life and “become the best version of myself on and off the field.”
Browns’ owner Jimmy Haslam also threw gasoline on the fire by confirming that the Browns are the new home for NFL creeps and thugs. In addition to trading for Watson, they previously acquired Kareem Hunt, released by Kansas City for kicking a woman. McKeone was a savage at Haslam
Haslam reminded reporters present that Watson was only 26. It was a tremendous quarterback. Haslam seems to think that this is all that really matters.
It was already a terrible scene for everyone involved. Haslam further made matters worse when he decided to defend his quarterback, and the actions of his teammates.
Tony Buzbee, an attorney who represented many of the women who accused Watson of Neanderthal behavior, tore into the NFL commissioner.:
This matter was settled by Roger Goodell. Roger Goodell proved one thing: Either his rhetoric is complete baloney or his bark makes him sound worse than his bite. It is my belief that he is nothing more than a paper tiger. All victims should be aware that if they believe that you were sexually assaulted or threatened by powerful people, you need to shut your mouth and get away. The NFL has certainly demonstrated that its ownership and the organization don’t care.
To all sexual assault survivors, do not allow this recent ‘punishment’ to deter you. Continue speaking up. Your voice matters. It is your voice that makes a difference. We are here for you.
Stay tuned for more really bad NFL theater in December when Watson returns to the field.
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