NFL is considering disciplinary action for Deshaun Watson

The fate of NFL star quarterback professional football will be determined this week in allegations of sexual misconduct.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson may face a season-long suspension from the league after being accused of sexual assault by nearly 20 women for three days Internal disciplinary action hearing was held.

Last month, Watson reached a settlement in 20 of the 24 proceedings filed by a woman who accused Watson of sexual assault and harassment while playing for the Houston Texans. It was revealed during hearings that the league is seeking an indefinite suspension of at least one year for quarterbacks.

Watson Has never been arrested or criminally charged with allegations, and the two great judges refused to prosecute Watson after reviewing the evidence.

Disciplinary Officer Judge Sue L. Robinson will announce her decision next week after reviewing the post-hearing briefs from both sides.

For years, the NFL has faced criticism of how the league handled allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault against women. More recently, the league has attempted to fix it by applying a personal course of action to all NFL employees, current and former players, specifically aimed at addressing these issues.

Mary Kate Cabot covered Cleveland Plain Dealer Browns and told ABC News "Start Here" about what to expect for the NFL's next play on the situation.

"Well, these are mainly from 24 massage therapists in the Houston area, who have accused Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct while booking a massage since the fall of 2020. "Cabot said. "[But] 20 out of 24 are currently settled ... this could mean something like the beginning of the end of the whole story."

Watson said throughout the allegations. Maintaining his innocence, the Cleveland Browns stood behind the player.

"If we weren't used to that person's Deshawn, it wouldn't matter how talented he was, we wouldn't have pursued trade," Browns said. General Manager Andrew Berry said at a press conference last month. "We believe in that person, Deshawn."

Despite not admitting cheating, Cabot said Watson recently told her "I'm asking for counseling." ..

"He's using the resources that Browns has made available, and I think that's a mitigation factor in the NFL's eyes," Cabot said. "But the NFL now needs to determine Deshaun Watson's discipline."

Reconciliation Officially takes no responsibility, but NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell revealed last month that Watson is still under investigation by the NFL.

"The personal behavior policy does not require a criminal breach because it is a violation of the personal behavior policy," Goodell said at a press conference.

In March, Cleveland Browns guaranteed Watson a $ 230 million trade deal over five years, according to ESPN. This is the most guaranteed amount of NFL player signatures in history.

Cabot said the NFL Players Association is preparing for Watson's "very long outage" from the league.

"They are planning to fight it fiercely," Cabot said. "The next big step everyone has to overcome is to find out what the NFL has in mind and how Deshawn's side will fight it."

Last week Cleveland Browns At a press conference hosted by Watson, Watson responded to the allegations. He said he regrets the impact of the situation on the community.

"It includes my family. It includes this organization. It includes my teammates in this locker room who have to answer these questions," Watson said. "It includes the Cleveland Browns fan base ... it's difficult to deal with."

Cabot said the league is currently working on the right amount of disciplinary action.

"It will be difficult in public opinion courts. They walk this delicate line between pretending to really value, respect and believe in the women who bring these things. Must be up, "she said. "And again, it's fair to the fact that there is no evidence that something has happened."