NFL Players Association and NFL agreed to suspend Deshaun Wilson for 11 regular-season games and fine him $5,000,000. Watson was sued by 25 women alleging sexual misconduct at massage sessions they had in 2020-2021. A total of 30 women accused the Houston Texans of “turning a blind eye” to allegations that Watson was sexually assaulting and harassing women during massage sessions. They settled their legal claims against Watson’s former team in mid-July.
Tony Buzbee was the attorney who represented the women and announced the settlement of 23 of the 25 cases. After disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson ruled that Watson would be suspended for the first six games of the regular season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, but he would not be fined, initially, the NFL attempted to suspend Watson for one year for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. However, they’ve now reached the deal outlined above.
Jerry Wilson, Jerry’s colleague, reported Watson speaking about Watson and the five-million dollar fine.
“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 … 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.”
He stated that he hopes to share his part of the story some day.
“That’s definitely the plan, that’s definitely the goal … 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 had earlier this year signed a 5-year, $230m deal with the Cleveland Browns. This is $46 millions per year. Watson is only paying pennies per year for a fine of $5 million. Ask yourself this question: What if you were charged by these women with sexual assault or harassment? Watson would probably get a harsher sentence than Watson.
The NFL has imposed harsher penalties for minor infractions, as I mentioned in the Browns’ quarterback article. Below are some examples.
NFL suspends players
Deshaun Watson: 11 games, $5 million fine – 24 sexual misconduct lawsuits.
Ridley: Indefinite – Bet for his team to win
Burfict: 12 games – Targeting
Hopkins: 6 games – PED
Martavis: Indefinite – Weed
Josh Gordon: 76 games – Weed
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 18, 2022
Ray Rice, too. In 2014, he was found guilty after TMZ obtained video footage that showed Rice assaulting then-fiancée Janay Palmer. Rice was originally banned from the NFL for life. Rice was eventually allowed to go through counseling and the ban was lifted. Rice is now a retired NFL player.
Yes, in Watson’s case, these are allegations; however, while he settled 23 of the lawsuits, two remain. He could be held liable by the NFL and banned for life. This is similar to Rice’s case. If they don’t, the NFL is sending a message that they don’t care what the players do off the field as long as they make their profit by selling tickets.
Expect more cheers when Watson is reinstated from suspension.
Browns fans boo Deshaun Watson’s entry onto the field.
— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) August 12, 2022
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III said: “I’m sick for all the women out there.”
RG3 on Deshaun Watson suspension “I’m sick for all the women out there” pic.twitter.com/knCy18xTBb
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) August 18, 2022
As reporters asked Watson questions, Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said: “It’s important to remember Deshaun Watson is 26 years old, and he’s a hell of an NFL quarterback.”
Jimmy Haslam responds to questions regarding Deshaun’s behaviour by saying: “It is important that Deshaun Watson, who’s 26 years old, is a great NFL quarterback.” pic.twitter.com/cIeLtnzkGg
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 18, 2022
The suspension of Watson has had no impact on Watson’s performance, and the same goes for the team owner. This was a bad decision by the NFL. He will be back to play against his old team, Houston Texans. Nothing suspicious at all about that … this sets a bad precedent for the league.