According to a recent report, there’s a chance that Deshaun Watson, the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, will face additional discipline from the NFL in relation to the accusations of sexual misconduct.
According to Brent Schrotenboer of USA Today, Watson might have to testify in one of the lawsuits that are still pending against him. In 2022, he resolved 23 out of 26 cases involving sexual misbehavior. One was removed, while the other is still dormant. In October 2022, the lone surviving lawsuit was submitted.
In August 2022, Watson also reached a settlement with the NFL following a protracted and convoluted procedure. In addition to receiving a $5 million fine and 11 game suspensions, he also had to undergo treatment and counseling.
Based on the verdict in the case, Watson might be subject to additional sanctions, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
On February 15, Florio stated, “The remaining claims against Watson will go to trial at some point, absent a settlement or dismissal.” “Given the evidence that may surface in the remaining cases and/or final verdicts, the NFL has not entirely ruled out the possibility of further punishment, even though he has been suspended 11 games for the allegations.”
Following Watson’s settlement with the league, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network published something that seems to contradict Florio’s account.
Pelissero tweeted, “Any additional claims of the same behavior from 2019–2021 wouldn’t be subject to an NFL investigation or discipline.” “If allegations emerge that are different in nature—such as use of force, which was not alleged in the cases that Judge Sue L. Robinson decided—the NFL could still look into them.”
Amidst Watson’s off-field problems, the Browns made the trade for him. Owners of the Browns, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, have praised Watson’s advancement and been outspoken in their support of him.
“In the past year, he has made great progress. In July 2023, Jimmy Haslam stated, “He has worked incredibly hard on being a better man, a better teammate, and a better person.” He’s probably discovered a lot about who he is and what he can and cannot do. He seems to have figured out who to trust and who not to.
Following his press conference, Ken Dorsey, the new offensive coordinator for the Browns, faced criticism for calling Watson a “really quality human being.”
On Monday, February 5, Dorsey said, “I can’t wait to get to work with him.” “Because, once more, he’s a top quarterback in this league and, based on what I’ve heard, a truly admirable person.” I’m only thrilled about the chance, then.
The Browns’ hopes of landing Watson in a blockbuster trade have not come true. Since the move, Watson has only appeared in 12 games for the Browns. He was forced to miss 11 games in 2022 due to the suspension. Due to injuries, he participated in just six games last year.
With an 8-4 record when starting, Watson has completed 2,217 yards of passing with 14 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. The Browns remain optimistic that Watson can make a difference. It’s hoped he’ll resemble the Houston Texans Pro Bowl passer he was. Keeping him on the field will be crucial.
“We are pleased with Deshaun. The most important thing, in my opinion, is for him to be on the field and be kept there, Browns general manager Andrew Berry stated to The Athletic on February 1. “But we’re excited about Deshaun in particular.” All we want to do is ensure his wellbeing.
When it comes to Watson, the Browns are pretty much at a loss. He has a $230 million contract that is fully guaranteed. Watson will be associated with the team until the 2026 campaign.
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