On Tuesday, a hearing began for the Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, accused of sexual misconduct in dozens of civil lawsuits. The NFL will indefinitely suspend Watson for at least the 2022 season without pay.
Watson was handed over to the Browns through a trade from the offseason from the Houston Texans, a trade that sparked controversy on how the Browns would find success. Those with knowledge on the case believed the NFL would impose a serious consequence in terms of suspension. Even those on Watsons side believe “that the league probably would argue for a suspension of one full season.”
Last season with the Texans, Watson was inactive through the yearlong controversy, but this situation was a bit different as he was not yet suspended and was paid full salary. Watson is being paid at least $230 million for his 5-year contract in Cleveland, but if suspended for the entire season, he would lose that salary, not including the possibility of the NFL fining him additionally.
At this point, Watson has not been charged with a crime and has denied any allegation against him. According to Tony Buzbee, an attorney representing the women, 20 of the 24 lawsuits have been settled. The other 4 lawsuits are expected to be resolved in court said, Buzbee.
But for commissioner Roger Goodell, this is a tougher case. This is the first case under the new system and policy meaning there is no clear answer to how long the hearing will last or when the decision will be made. “The NFL aims to have the entire case, including the resolution of any appeal, resolved before training camp (Mid-Late July),” according to a person with knowledge on the situation.
The next step for Watson would be applying for reinstatement under the league’s penalty. He will face U.S. district judge Sue L. Robinson. Judge Robinson is a little different as she is the disciplinary officer appointed for less severe discipline. This means she carries even the possibility of no suspension at all for Watson, even though a slim one. Following this, she will make a disciplinary ruling according with the conduct policy.
If Watson is said to have violated the policy, the penalty would be appealed to Roger Goodell to decide. However, if Robinson rules that Watson did not violate the policy, the case is automatically closed, without the possibility of an appeal.
The disciplinary process the NFL takes upon Watson will disregard the civil settlements already raised upon him in the 20 settled lawsuits. However, disciplinary measures will be imposed without criminal charges.
As Browns fans are twisting themselves into pretzels worrying about the team’s future and the use of trades, Watson is risking the possibility of losing a full season, salary, and the experience of fans looking up to him, on or off the football field. Amidst the Brown’s trade with the Texans for Watson this offseason, the Browns got a lot more than just a trade.
Link to Article: NFL to seek at least one-year ban of Deshaun Watson
Watson was handed over to the Browns through a trade from the offseason from the Houston Texans, a trade that sparked controversy on how the Browns would find success. Those with knowledge on the case believed the NFL would impose a serious consequence in terms of suspension. Even those on Watsons side believe “that the league probably would argue for a suspension of one full season.”
Last season with the Texans, Watson was inactive through the yearlong controversy, but this situation was a bit different as he was not yet suspended and was paid full salary. Watson is being paid at least $230 million for his 5-year contract in Cleveland, but if suspended for the entire season, he would lose that salary, not including the possibility of the NFL fining him additionally.
At this point, Watson has not been charged with a crime and has denied any allegation against him. According to Tony Buzbee, an attorney representing the women, 20 of the 24 lawsuits have been settled. The other 4 lawsuits are expected to be resolved in court said, Buzbee.
But for commissioner Roger Goodell, this is a tougher case. This is the first case under the new system and policy meaning there is no clear answer to how long the hearing will last or when the decision will be made. “The NFL aims to have the entire case, including the resolution of any appeal, resolved before training camp (Mid-Late July),” according to a person with knowledge on the situation.
The next step for Watson would be applying for reinstatement under the league’s penalty. He will face U.S. district judge Sue L. Robinson. Judge Robinson is a little different as she is the disciplinary officer appointed for less severe discipline. This means she carries even the possibility of no suspension at all for Watson, even though a slim one. Following this, she will make a disciplinary ruling according with the conduct policy.
If Watson is said to have violated the policy, the penalty would be appealed to Roger Goodell to decide. However, if Robinson rules that Watson did not violate the policy, the case is automatically closed, without the possibility of an appeal.
The disciplinary process the NFL takes upon Watson will disregard the civil settlements already raised upon him in the 20 settled lawsuits. However, disciplinary measures will be imposed without criminal charges.
As Browns fans are twisting themselves into pretzels worrying about the team’s future and the use of trades, Watson is risking the possibility of losing a full season, salary, and the experience of fans looking up to him, on or off the football field. Amidst the Brown’s trade with the Texans for Watson this offseason, the Browns got a lot more than just a trade.
Link to Article: NFL to seek at least one-year ban of Deshaun Watson
