FOOTBALL
Cleveland Browns Quarterback Deshaun Watson Suspended 11 Games, Fined
Aug 18, 2022, 9:07 AM | Updated: 9:28 am
JACKSONVILLE, FL - AUGUST 12: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to a football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on August 12, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Deshaun Watson won’t miss the entire 2022 NFL season.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and later confirmed by the league, the Cleveland Browns quarterback is suspended for 11 games. This comes following an agreement between the NFL and the NFL Players Association [NFLPA].
Watson is also expected to pay a $5 fine. Watson’s fine, plus $1 million contributions from both the NFL and Cleveland Browns will create a fund to support non-profit organizations that work to educate people on healthy relationships and prevent sexual misconduct and assault.
“Deshaun has committed to doing the hard work on himself that is necessary for his return to the NFL,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a press release.
Breaking: NFL and NFLPA reached agreement on an 11-game suspension for Browns QB Deshaun Watson, per sources. The settlement also includes a fine of $5 million that will go to charity. Deal still is not signed but it is agreed to. pic.twitter.com/2dFvcePL9k
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 18, 2022
Initially, Deshaun Watson was given a six-game suspension for violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy by Judge Sue. L Robinson. The NFL appealed that ruling and NFL commissioner Roger Goddell named Peter Harvey, a former New Jersey attorney general, to lead the appeal. The settlement between the two sides prevents Harvey from hearing the appeal.
Watson was accused of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions as a member of the Houston Texans. The 26-year-old quarterback has denied any wrongdoing and has not been criminally charged for the accusations levied against him. Earlier this summer, Watson reached settlements with 20 of the 24 women who accused him of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. The day Judge Robinson’s initial decision was released, three of the four remaining civil cases against Watson were settled.
During the offseason, Watson was traded from the Texans to the Browns. He then signed a five-year, $230 million extension with his new team.
