Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has reportedly been suspended for six games for the upcoming season due to violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. ESPN reports that Disciplinary Officer Sue L. Robinson announced the ruling Monday, which is a result of multiple accusations of sexual misconduct.
Sources revealed that Watson will not be fined, and although it was determined that he violated the league’s personal conduct policy, there was not enough evidence to give him an indefinite suspension. The NFL Players Association released a statement sharing that they “stand by,” Robinson’s ruling.
The NFLPA also said,
“Every player, owner, business partner, and stakeholder deserves to know that our process is legitimate and will not be tarnished based on the whims of the League office.”
As previously reported, Watson had been hit with 24 civil lawsuits alleging that he exhibited inappropriate and non-consensual sexual behavior during sessions with massage therapists. All of these accusations took place between March 2020 and March 2021 while he was still a part of the Houston Texans. He was traded to the Browns back in March.
Last month, the Texans reportedly reached a settlement with at least 30 women who said they were prepared to make claims that the organization played a role in the accusations against Watson.
The Associated Press reports that Watson recently settled 23 of the 24 lawsuits that were filed by women who accused him of sexual harassment and assault. The NFL has up to three days to appeal the ruling that was set by Robinson. If the NFL or the NFL Players Association were to appeal the ruling then Commissioner Roger Goodell or someone he appoints will make the final decision.
Watson is scheduled to return to his team on October 23rd when they face the Baltimore Ravens. If the suspension remains then he will only miss out on $345,000. He signed a fully guaranteed $230 million, five-year contract, with his base salary being set at $1.035 million. His $45 million signing bonus will be unaffected by suspension.
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TSR STAFF: Jade Ashley @Jade_Ashley94
