Article Author:
Associated Press
Rob Maaddi And Tom Withers
DeShawn Watson has reached a settlement with the NFL, received an 11-game suspension, and will pay $5 million more than risking his absence. His first season as a fine-paying Cleveland Browns quarterback, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. was accused of sexual misconduct by a woman in The person, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Thursday, disclosed a settlement between Watson and the league.
Months of posturing between the NFL Players Association has come to an end.
As part of the settlement, Watson said he could return to the Browns' game in Houston on December 4.
On August 1, the three-time Pro Bowler received his six-game suspension by Sue L. Robinson. Sue L. Robinson is a former federal judge jointly appointed by the League and the Union as an Independent Disciplinary Officer.
After Watson, 26, reviewed an investigation into his behavior, Robinson found he was in violation of the league's Personal Conduct Policy and described his behavior as "vicious" and " called it predatory.
The league appealed the suspension, finding it too light, and remanded Watson's case back to Goodell. The league had previously called for an indefinite suspension and a hefty fine.
Goodell appointed former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey to hear the appeal. Harvey is the attorney involved in the NFL's decision to have the Cowboys suspend Ezekiel Elliott for six games during the 2017 season due to domestic violence allegations.
According to the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement, Harvey's decision constituted "a complete, final and complete disposition of the dispute."
At an owners' meeting earlier this month, Goodell said the investigation and Robinson's findings made it right for the league to seek a one-year suspension for him.
"She corroborated her evidence," said Goodell. "There were multiple egregious transgressions and it was a predatory act."
In her conclusion, Robinson cited Watson's lack of remorse as a factor in her decision. Watson apologized for the first time "to all the women I have influenced" before debuting the Browns at an exhibition in Jacksonville. He was accused of being sexually inappropriate to a woman during a massage therapy session in Texas until March 2019. In a civil lawsuit filed in Texas, women accused Watson of exposing herself by touching him with his penis and kissing him against her will. claimed to have been
His two grand juries in Texas declined to indict Watson, who denied wrongdoing. He recently settled his 23 out of 24 lawsuits.
For now, the suspension ends months of speculation about whether Watson will play for the Browns in his 2022 season. The Browns, outnumbering several other teams, traded his three draft first-round picks to the Texans in March, signing the QB to a five-year, $230 million deal.
Watson's case sparked strong opinions, raising questions about the league's treatment of player discipline and its spotty record in supporting women.
59} The Browns believe Watson can make them a Super Bowl contender. Without him, they, along with Baltimore and Pittsburgh, could simply struggle to compete in the AFC North against conference champions Cincinnati.Pausing also means that Watson sits idle longer. One of his quarterbacks in pro football's elite, he sat out in Houston last season after asking for a trade and before sexual allegations surfaced.
In her 16-page ruling, Robinson found that the League had proven that Watson had violated three provisions of his Code of Conduct: Sexuality as defined by the League. Violence, posing a real danger to safety and well-being. Compromise or jeopardize the integrity of the League.
Robinson also pointed out the flaws in the league's conduct policy, stating, "It is unfair to specify that an act is prohibited only after it has been carried out. Penalties for such conduct are imposed ex post facto."
Her punishment was criticized by several organizations, including the National Organization for Women, calling it "unacceptable, offensive, and dangerous." The NFL and the multi-billion dollar sports industry have a vested interest in enabling sexual misconduct, assault and violence.”
Watson suing Tony Busby, an attorney representing all 24 women who were involved, and Ashley Solis, the first woman to go public with the allegations against Watson, said at a press conference in Houston in early August that the first six games had been played. condemned the suspension.
Watson has been practicing while his case went through the league's process.
The Browns' plan all along was to hand the offense over to veteran Jacoby Brissett during Watson's suspension. However, it is now possible that Cleveland will explore other options at quarterback.
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