The NFL suspended Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for six games for violating his personal conduct policy. This punishment follows accusations of sexual misconduct brought against him by two dozen women in Texas.
Watson, who played four seasons with the Houston Texans before being traded to the Browns in March, recently settled 23 of 24 lawsuits filed by massage therapists alleging sexual harassment and assault on dates in 2020 and 2021.
After learning that the ruling was imminent, the NFL Players Association released a joint statement with Watson on Sunday night saying it would not appeal retired judge Sue L. Robinson’s decision and urged the league to follow suit.
“Every player, owner, business partner and stakeholder deserves to know that our process is legitimate and will not be tarnished by the whims of the League office,” the union said in a statement.
If either party appeals, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell or his designate will make the decision, in accordance with the terms of the collective agreement. The union could then try to challenge this decision in federal court.
While awaiting that decision, Watson attended training camp for the Browns. He continued to take most of the rehearsals with the first offensive unit, which will be handled by reservist Jacoby Brissett during his absence.
The league had sought an indefinite suspension of at least a year and a US$5 million fine for the 26-year-old Watson during a three-day hearing before Robinson in June. The NFL Players Association argued that Watson should not be punished at all because he has not been convicted of any crime.
Two Texas grand juries declined to indict Watson over complaints filed by 10 of the women.
It was the first case for Robinson, a former U.S. district judge jointly appointed by the NFL and the union to handle player misconduct — a role previously held by Goodell.
A three-time Pro Bowl selection with the Texans, Watson saw his playing career tarnished by allegations he acted inappropriately around women during massage therapy sessions he scheduled via social media. He missed the 2021 season.
In their lawsuits, the women accused Watson of exposing himself, touching them with his penis or kissing them against their will. A woman alleged that Watson forced her to perform oral sex.
Watson denied any wrongdoing, insisting any sexual activity with three of the women was consensual. He publicly insisted his goal was to clear his name before agreeing to confidential financial settlements with 20 of the women on June 21.
