Deshaun Watson Suspended For 6 Games, Reports Say
Aug 1, 2022, 8:46 AM | Updated: 10:26 am
Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images
Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson is expected to serve a six-game suspension, according to ESPN reports Monday.
The ruling came from the NFL and NFL Players Association’s jointly appointed disciplinary officer, Sue L. Robinson, Monday after hearing arguments from Watson’s camp and the NFL’s earlier in the summer.
“Robinson’s comprehensive 15-page conclusion stated that though Watson violated the personal conduct policy, there was not enough evidence to justify an indefinite suspension,” ESPN said in its story.
Watson has been accused by 25 women of actions ranging from sexual assault to inappropriate behavior during massage sessions while a member of the Houston Texans. One of the lawsuits has been dropped after the judge ruled the petition had to be amended with the plaintiff’s name. Watson and 20 of the other plaintiffs reached settlements earlier in the summer. On Monday, Aug. 1, Watson agreed to settle three of the four remaining cases.
Since being traded to the Cleveland Browns, Watson has vehemently defended his actions amidst the accusations, saying he has “no regrets” during his introductory press conference with the Browns.
Two grand juries in Texas declined to pursue criminal charges against Watson earlier this year.
The NFL also released a statement Monday regarding the ruling.
The NFL statement on the Deshaun Watson ruling pic.twitter.com/0kE7wiQi7C
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 1, 2022
The NFL had been seeking a longer suspension for the Browns QB, according to sources, looking for an indefinite suspension plus a heavy fine issued to Watson.
Both the NFLPA and NFL have three days to appeal Robinson’s ruling.
Watson, 26, signed a 5-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract with the Browns upon being traded to Cleveland in March. The former Clemson QB is a three-time pro bowler, amassing 14,539 passing yards and 104 TDs
in four seasons in the NFL. Watson sat out the entire 2021 season after submitting a trade request from the Texans last year, citing cultural and irreconcilable difference between and him and the organization.
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