NFLPA and the NFL have agreed to suspend Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns’ quarterback, for the first 11 weeks of the 2022-2023 regular-season and to fine him $5M. This is in response to numerous accusations made against Watson by female masseuses while he was playing for the Houston Texans. They relate to Watson’s aggressive sexual advances during physical therapy sessions. From the NFL’s statement on the matter:
“Deshaun has committed to doing the hard work on himself that is necessary for his return to the NFL,” Commissioner Roger Goodell stated. “This settlement requires compliance with a professional evaluation and treatment plan, a significant fine, and a more substantial suspension. We are grateful to Judge Robinson and Peter Harvey for their efforts in addressing these matters, which laid the foundation for reaching this conclusion.”
Watson signed earlier this season to a $230M 5-year guaranteed contract with the Browns. Watson has been offered all of the familiar platitudes.
“As we have previously conveyed, Deshaun and his representatives have abided by the NFL and NFLPA structure awaiting a final decision and we have respected the process,” (team owners) Dee and Jimmy Haslam said. “Now that a decision on discipline has been reached, we understand this is a real opportunity to create meaningful change and we are committed to investing in programs in Northeast Ohio that will educate our youth regarding awareness, understanding, and most importantly, prevention of sexual misconduct and the many underlying causes of such behavior. Deshaun has proven to be a great member of our team and has shown an unwavering dedication to his work on the field and in our office. We will continue to support him as he focuses on earning the trust of our community.”
Watson is wildly inconsistent on the subject. He appeared to be contrite today in the press release of his team.
“I’m grateful that the disciplinary process has ended and extremely appreciative of the tremendous support I have received throughout my short time with the Browns organization,” Watson said. “I apologize once again for any pain this situation has caused. I am responsible for my decisions. My focus going forward is on working to become the best version of myself on and off the field and supporting my teammates however possible while I’m away from the team. I’m excited about what the future holds for me in Cleveland.”
Watson maintained his innocence at a press conference. ESPN reports:
“I’ll continue to stand on my innocence, just because you know settlements, and things like that happen doesn’t mean that a person is guilty for anything,” he said. “I feel like a person has an opportunity to stand on his innocence and prove that, and we proved that from a legal side, and just going to continue to push forward as an individual and as a person.”
Watson said that he would like to tell the whole story one day to prove his innocence.
“That’s definitely the plan, that’s definitely the goal,” he said. “I feel like through the whole process I’ve been trying to tell my side of the story. But a lot of people just didn’t pay a lot of attention to it.”
Watson was accused in Houston by several women represented by Tony Buzbee of extremely improper conduct. Buzbee pointed out in March 2021 that Watson was accused of highly inappropriate behavior.
This matter is ongoing with many twists, turns and even two grand juries declining charges against Watson. On August 1,StWatson received a suspension of six games from a disciplinary representative that was approved by both the NFLPA (NFLPA) and agreed on by Watson. The league, which preferred a year-long suspension, appealed the decision, this resulting in today’s (August 18, 2022) decision.
So, ladies, if you’re wondering what value the NFLPA places on your dignity and right to live in peace from unwanted sexual advances, you now know it’s … eleven weeks. At least the league itself thinks you’re worth a year. As for the Browns, given the mess they’re in, perhaps they should go for the complete cluster and give Colin Kaepernick a tryout.
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