Bellair, Ohio -- DeShawn Watson has reached a settlement with the NFL, which will result in an 11-game suspension, a $5 million fine, and his first season. You don't run the risk of missing out. As a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, following an accusation of sexual misconduct.
Watson said that while he was playing for the Texans, hesexually assaulted and was accused of harassment by 20 women. The league had sought to ban him for at least a year for violating the Personal Conduct Policy.
We are extremely grateful for the tremendous support we have received and once again apologize for all the pain this situation has caused.In a statement issued through the team, Watson took responsibility for the decision he made. Stay away from the team."
When later asked if he thought the settlement was fair, Watson replied, "I'll keep my opinion to myself."
The settlement ended months of stalemate between Watson's legal team, the NFL, and the NFL Players Association.
A possible return to the Browns' game in Houston on May 4.
"As previously communicated, DeShawn and his agents will comply with the structure of the NFL and the NFLPA, We are awaiting a final decision and respecting that process," team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. “Now that we have reached a decision on discipline, we understand that this is a real opportunity to create meaningful change, and we are committed to investing in programs in Northeast Ohio.
8 On March 1, the three-time Pro Bowler was suspended for six games by Sue L. Robinson, a former federal judge jointly appointed by the league and unions.
Robinson was suspended for 26 After reviewing an investigation into his behavior, Watson found it in violation of the league's Personal Conduct Policy, calling his behavior "vicious" and "predatory".
The league decided the suspension was too light and appealed Watson's lawsuit, remanding it to Goodell, who had handled all player discipline in the past.
Goodell appointed former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey to hear the appeal. Ezekiel Elliott is the attorney involved in the NFL's decision to suspend Ezekiel Elliott for six games. ”.
At an owners' meeting earlier this month, Goodell said the league's request for a one-year suspension was justified following the investigation and Robinson's findings.
} "She corroborated the evidence," Goodell said.
In her conclusion, Robinson cited Watson's lack of remorse as a factor in her decision. .
Watson was sexually assaulted by a woman during a massage therapy session in Texas from March 2020 to March 2021. In a civil lawsuit filed in Texas, the women accused Watson of exposing himself by touching them with his penis. claimed to have forced her to perform oral sex.
Two grand juries in Texas rejected charges against Watson who denied wrongdoing.
For now, months of speculation about whether Watson will play for the Browns in 2022 will end with this suspension - a $230 million annual deal. contract t.
While Watson's lawsuit generated strong opinions, it also raised questions about the league's treatment of player discipline and its spotty record in supporting women. Without him, they, along with Baltimore and Pittsburgh, could simply struggle in the AFC North against conference champions Cincinnati.
Pausing also means that Watson will be idle longer. One of professional football's elite QBs, 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 attested to the fact that Watson had violated his three articles of the Code of Conduct: Sex as Defined by the League. assault, posing a genuine danger to safety and well-being. Compromise or jeopardize the integrity of the League.
Robinson also pointed to 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. Fact."
Her punishment was criticized by several organizations, including the National Organization for Women, calling it "unacceptable, offensive and dangerous, but not surprising. NFL and multi-billion dollar sports." The industry has a vested interest in enabling sexual misconduct, assault and violence.”
Tony Busby, an attorney representing all 24 women who sued Watson, Ashley Solis, the first woman to go public with the allegations against Watson, condemned the first six-game suspension at a press conference in Houston in early August.
Watson has continued to practice while his case went through the league's process. to veteran Jacoby Brissett. However, it is now possible that Cleveland will explore other options at quarterback.
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