Deshaun Watson’s initial ban has been extended and his fine will be supplemented by contributions of $1 million from the NFL and Browns to organizations that help educate about healthy relationships; Watson: “My focus for the future is to become the best version of myself on and off the pitch”
Last updated: 18/08/22 7:57 PM
Deshaun Watson continues to declare his innocence despite reaching a settlement with the NFL to serve an unpaid 11-game suspension and pay a $5 million fine over sexual misconduct allegations
Deshaun Watson continues to declare his innocence despite reaching a settlement with the NFL to serve an unpaid 11-game suspension and pay a $5 million fine over sexual misconduct allegations
Deshaun Watson has been suspended unpaid for the first 11 games of the 2022 season and was fined $5 million after the NFL appealed the initial six-game ban imposed on the Cleveland Browns quarterback over sexual misconduct allegations.
Watson’s initial suspension has been extended for five games following the appeal, and his fine will be supplemented by $1 million contributions from the NFL and Cleveland Browns to establish a $7 million fund to support nonprofit organizations serving young people. inform about healthy relationships, promote education and prevent sexual misconduct and assault, support survivors and related causes.
The Associated Press reported that Watson has settled with the NFL and will serve the 11-game suspension and pay the $5 million fine rather than risk missing his first season with the Browns.
“I am grateful that the disciplinary process has ended and I am deeply grateful for the tremendous support I have received during my short time with the Browns organization,” Watson said.
“I apologize again for the pain this situation has caused. I take responsibility for the decisions I have made. My focus for the future is on working to become the best version of myself on and off the pitch and supporting from my teammates, however possible, while I’m away from the team. I’m excited about what the future holds for me and Cleveland.”
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The 26-year-old was subject to 24 lawsuits, of which he settled 23, for sexual assault and inappropriate misconduct during massage sessions that took place during his time with the Houston Texans between March 2020 and March 2021.
Watson was cleared of criminal charges by two Texas grand juries before former U.S. District Judge Sue L Robinson issued a six-game suspension but no additional fine for violating the league’s personal conduct policy after being by the league and the NFLPA appointed as an independent disciplinary officer.
The NFL subsequently appealed the decision seeking an indefinite suspension, with Commissioner Roger Goodell appointing former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C Harvey to seek a “complete, final and complete settlement of the dispute”, according to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
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Watson, who served out the 2021 campaign, has maintained his innocence throughout, but has recently apologized to “all the women I influenced in this situation”.
The three-time Pro Bowler signed a five-year, fully guaranteed, $230 million deal with the Browns in March after being acquired as part of a transaction that gave the Texans three first-round picks.
He made his debut for Cleveland in the preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing as one of five passes for seven yards in a brief cameo.
“Deshaun has committed to doing the hard work on himself necessary for his return to the NFL,” said Commissioner Roger Goodell. “This settlement requires adherence to a professional evaluation and treatment plan, a substantial fine, and a more substantial suspension. We are grateful to Judge Robinson and Peter Harvey for their efforts to address these matters, which have laid the foundation for achieving this conclusion.”
With Thursday’s announcement, the process is complete and there will be no ruling from an appointed person or additional legal action.
Watson’s suspension will take effect upon the final roster reduction and he will be eligible for reinstatement on November 28.
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