Henry Roldán
Deshaun Watson‘s complicated legal history added a new chapter on Monday after the NFL officially announced the punishment to be imposed on him for violating the league’s code of personal conduct.
As revealed by NFL disciplinary official Sue L. Robinson after presiding over the June 28-30 disciplinary hearing, the Cleveland Browns quarterback will be suspended for the first six games of the upcoming 2023 campaign.
Both the NFL and the circuit’s Players Association (NFLPA) have three days to appeal the ruling. And while it was learned that the association will not do so, it remains to be seen what the league and Commissioner Roger Goodell will decide, as they were pushing for a longer suspension for Watson.
In negotiations leading up to Robinson’s decision, the NFL’s intentions were to suspend Deshaun Watson for 12 games and a fine of no less than $8,000. This is a far cry from the verdict revealed on Monday.
Robinson also expressed in his conclusion of the case that he believes it is appropriate for Watson to limit his massage therapy, for the remainder of his career, to team-led sessions and team-approved massage therapists. He must also not engage in “adverse involvement with law enforcement” and must not violate the league’s personal conduct policy again in the future.
Let’s remember that the quarterback was sued by 24 women who alleged sexual harassment by him during massage sessions. However, according to ESPN’s John Barr, Watson agreed to settle 20 of them in June, while shortly before Robinson’s sentencing he was able to settle three of the remaining four.
Reactions to Deshaun Watson’s Sentence
One of the first reactions to Sue Robinson’s sentencing came from the Browns organization, the team that in March acquired Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans and that would later sign him to a five-season, record $230 million guaranteed contract.
Throughout this process, Deshaun and his representatives have complied with the newly created process agreed to by the NFLPA and the NFL to yield to Judge Sue L.
Robinson and thoroughly review all the information and make a fair decision. We respect Judge Robinson’s decision and, at the same time, we sympathize and understand that there have been many people triggered throughout this process.
We know Deshaun regrets that this situation has caused pain to many, and he will continue the work necessary to show who he is on and off the field, and we will continue to support him.
Browns owners release statement regarding Watson sentencing
For his part, the player’s lawyer, Rusty Hardin, said that Watson engaged in sexual activities with some complainants, but that it was consensual, so he is completely innocent of all allegations received.
