Article Author:
Reuters
Deshawn Watson will make his first start in a Cleveland uniform on Friday when the Browns face the Jacksonville Jaguars in the preseason opener.
The Browns said in a brief website post Wednesday that most of their starters will play in Jacksonville on Friday. Watson, 26, was the only player mentioned by his name.
It is unclear when Watson will make his next start. After an NFL investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by multiple women, former U.S. District Judge Sue L. Robinson dismissed Watson from playing six regular-season games without pay, accusing him of violating the league's personal conduct policy. ruled that he should be suspended.
The league has appealed Robinson's decision that the league and his NFLPA have agreed to serve as independent disciplinary officers. Commissioner Roger Goodell said at a league meeting in Minneapolis on Tuesday that Watson deserves a longer suspension.
"There were multiple egregious violations and they were looting," Goodell said.
Cleveland sent a sizable draft budget, including three future first-round draft picks, to his Houston Texans in March to buy Watson. He signed a five-year, $230 million, fully insured contract as part of the trade.
All under the cloud of allegations of sexual misconduct by 20 masseurs. Two Texas grand juries declined to indict Watson.
The Browns will start the season with veteran Jacoby Brissett at quarterback. Josh Rosen and Joshua Dobbs vie for backup roles.
– Field Level Media
