It has been more than two years since the first civil case was filed against. Deshaun WatsonThe disciplinarian Sue L. Robinson suspended the Cleveland Browns quarterback for the first six games of the 2022 seasonAccording to a source, the information was shared with ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Robinson, who was jointly appointed jointly by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) to decide the case and to administer any punishment, listened carefully to the arguments of the union, the league and Watson’s counsel during a three-day hearing that took place in Delaware in the latter part of June. While the NFL wanted a suspension of at most one year, Watson’s lawyer and the union argued that the NFL should not suspend the quarterback. Each side discussed the possibility for a settlement during the hearing, but they couldn’t agree on a deal.
Sources tell ESPN’s Dan Graziano that the league and Watson’s sides engaged in settlement talks. However, neither side felt they were close enough to reach an agreement. Sources say that Watson’s side was open to a suspension of anywhere from six to eight games. Sources said that the league was only willing to offer a suspension of 12 games and a substantial fine in the amount of $8 million. The NFLPA stated that it would not appeal the decision but the league can still appeal.
25 civil lawsuits against Watson have been filed since March 2021. They accuse him of inappropriate behavior and sexual assault during massage sessions. After the judge ordered that the petition be amended with the name of the plaintiff, one of the 25 lawsuits was dropped. Watson and 20 of other plaintiffs agreed to settle their lawsuits in late June. Tony Buzbee, a Houston attorney, told ESPN’s John Barr early Monday morning that Watson agreed to settle three of the remaining four active lawsuits He is against it.
Mid-July: Houston Texans reached settlements with 30 women Buzbee said that there were several women who were willing to file claims against the organization over the alleged role it played in Watson’s “enabling behavior”. Buzbee stated that one of the 30 women had brought a lawsuit against the Texans in June. However, that case was settled.
Watson maintained that he was innocent of the allegations. Watson was not charged with criminal offenses by two Texas grand juries earlier in the year. The Texans traded Watson for the Browns in March, after Watson’s first grand jury announced that it would not indict him.
Robinson has ruled in Watson’s suspension. Now, what next for Robinson and the Browns?
Watson: Where is he going?
Robinson has the right of appeal. However, the NFLPA released a statement Sunday night stating that it will not appeal Robinson’s decision and urging the NFL to follow suit: “Every owner, player, business partner, and stakeholder should know that our process was legitimate and will not be affected by the League office.” Deshaun, the NFLPA, and her decision will not be affected. CBA stipulates that appeals from the NFLPA and the league must be made within three business days of the decision. Any response to the appeal must be made in writing within two days. The appeal will only be allowed to argue why the amount of discipline should be modified, based upon the evidence record below. The CBA states that after that ruling is made, “The Commissioner, or his designee, will issue a written decision which will constitute the complete, final, and comprehensive disposition of the dispute. It will be binding.”
What length of suspension were the Browns expecting to receive when Watson was acquired by them?
Sources say that Watson was likely to be suspended between four and six times in the immediate aftermath. The Browns knew that a suspension, even one for a whole season, was possible when they made the deal. Sources say that they have remained committed to Watson.
Will the $230million in guaranteed cash be preserved?
Most likely. Watson’s contract also included a disclosure form to address “paragraph42” which protects Watson against losing any guaranteed money if he is suspended for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The contract also prevents the Browns voiding the contract in that case. However, the question is unlikely to be answered. According to sources, the Browns have made every indication that they will continue to use Watson as their franchise quarterback. The Browns now have clear guidance from the league on how to discipline their players, but there is no indication that that will change.
How does the Browns’ 2022 season start in the quarterback room?
It will not contain Baker Mayfield, who was traded The Carolina Panthers On July 6. The Browns had been planning for this since July 6. Jacoby Brissett To replace Watson, Watson was replaced by Watson who had 37 career starts in New England and Indianapolis. Watson was suspended. With Josh Dobbs As the only other quarterback on this roster, Cleveland brought in former first-round pick Josh Rosen On a one year deal. Rosen was the No. Rosen was the No. 10 draft pick and has been with five NFL teams. Dobbs will be his backup behind Brissett. Browns might also reevaluate the possibility of making a trade. Jimmy Garoppolo, who remains on the block in San FranciscoWatson is still out, so you can use this bridge.
When will Watson be able to rejoin the Browns
Watson will still be able participate in preseason practice. He will be required to be away from team for the first part of the suspension, which begins immediately after the regular season. The CBA states that Watson will be permitted to practice with the Browns during the second part of the suspension. This would, according to Robinson’s ruling.
What happens if there are more allegations?
Robinson had already voted against an indefinite suspension so the CBA doesn’t offer any clear guidance. Robinson was able to see the NFL’s case regarding the remaining lawsuit. If new allegations arise, the league could always investigate to determine whether they also violated the personal behavior policy.
Sarah Barshop, an ESPN NFL reporter, contributed to this report.