Article Author:
Reuters
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was charged with an off-field conduct violation involving "predatory" behavior involving more than 20 women who alleged sexual assault and other inappropriate behavior. was suspended for 11 games and fined $5 million.
Watson and his NFL, represented by the NFLPA, ruled on his suspension after an investigation into the allegations resulted in his initial six-game suspension after the league appealed.
The NFL will confirm compliance with the contract. Watson will be eligible for return on his November 28th. “This settlement requires professional evaluation and adherence to a treatment plan, significant fines, and a more substantial suspension. We thank Judges (Sue L.) Robinson and Peter Harvey for their efforts to do so.”
Goodell said the NFL and the Browns would each contribute $1 million to establish a new fund. said he planned to. Cheating and Assault, Supporting Survivors, and Related Causes. ''
Watson, 26, said at his post-NFL announcement press conference on Thursday that he was ready to move forward with his career.
"I have always maintained my innocence and have always said that I never attacked or disrespected anyone," said Watson. must continue to move forward with his life and career."
Watson recently offered an apology "to all the women I have affected in this situation," but previously In a statement released by the Browns on Thursday, Watson said, "The disciplinary process has ended." I am very appreciative of the tremendous support I have received during my short time at the Browns Organization." “Once again I apologize for all the pain this situation has caused. and support my teammates as much as possible while away from the team.I look forward to my future in Cleveland.”
Co-owned by the Browns. Dee Haslam and Jimmy Haslam issued the following statement: We are awaiting final decision and respecting the process. “I understand that a decision has been made about discipline because a decision has been made about discipline. We are committed to investing in programs that promote awareness, understanding and, most importantly, prevention of sexual misconduct and the many underlying causes of such behavior.”
The Browns acquired Watson in a trade from the Houston Texans, signing him to a five-year, $230 million contract in the offseason. Watson reached financial settlements with most of the women involved.
Once his suspension expires, Watson will be eligible to make his regular season debut with the Browns in Week 13 in Houston in December. The Browns say goodbye in Week 9.
Until then, Jacoby Brissett will start for the Browns. Former U.S. District Judge Robinson, who was elected as an independent disciplinary officer by the
league and his NFLPA, received his six-game suspension earlier this month. The NFL appealed Robinson's decision and asked Watson to be suspended for the full season. Harvey, the former Attorney General of New Jersey, was selected by Goodell to hear the appeal. Goodell said the "evidence" calls for a six-game suspension.
Two women filed criminal charges against the then-Texans quarterback, and 25 lawsuits were leveled against him. Watson did not play in 2021 amid his scandal and his desire to trade.
One woman dropped the case and the quarterback settled or agreed to settle with all but one of his. "I want to cherish every snap because I don't know when I can play with them next," Watson said Friday, his first with the Browns in a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Watson completed a 67.8% pass for 14,539 yards, 104 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. He led the league in his 4,823 passing yards in 2020. He has also recorded his 1,677 yards and his 17 points in his career, and as a starter he has his season record of 28–25 regulars.
In his three postseason games following the 2018 season and his 2019 season, he gained 870 yards on 80 of his 126 passes and scored 4 with one interception. 2 touchdowns and a 1-2 win. In the Browns' 24–13 win over the Jaguars on Friday, Watson made only one of his five pass attempts for his seven yards.
– Field Level Media
