The National Football League has reportedly handed Cleveland Browns Quarterback Deshaun Watson a six-game suspension for violating the league’s conduct policy.
Deshaun Watson’s suspension is the result of accusations of sexual misconduct and assault that he has received in recent months. Specifically, more than two dozen women have filed civil lawsuits against Watson regarding alleged incidents of misconduct and assault that occurred from March 2020 through March 2021. Thus far, Watson and his legal team have been able to settle 21 of these lawsuits. His former team, the Houston Texans, have also settled lawsuits with 30 women who have made claims or were prepared to make claims regarding their involvement in Watson’s alleged misconduct.
As the allegations levied against Watson piled up, the NFL and the Houston Police Department conducted investigations into the matter. The Houston Police Department decided not to hit Watson with any criminal charges. However, the NFL compiled information regarding the matter and met with disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson. During a three-day arbitration hearing, Robinson heard arguments. from the league, Deshaun Watson’s attorney and the NFL’s Players’ Association.
Prior to Robinson’s decision, both Deshaun Watson’s representatives and the league reportedly attempted to reach an agreement regarding a suspension. ESPN’s Jake Trotter indicates that Watson’s attorney pushed for a suspension of six to eight games while the NFL hoped for a suspension of 12 games or more with a “significant” fine. The two sides were unable to reach a compromise and Robinson handed down her decision on Monday morning.
Moving forward, Deshaun Watson or the NFL will have three days to appeal the suspension. If the league decides to do so, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell “will issue a written decision that will constitute full, final and complete disposition of the dispute.”
