Deshaun Watson settles with the NFL, faces suspension for 11 games along with $5 million fine
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Deshaun Watson
The Deshaun Watson saga has finally come to an end, the quarterback has finally reached a settlement agreement with the NFL. Both sides seem to have closed the matter after amicable discussions behind closed doors and have reached a conclusion before New Jersey attorney general Peter Harvey announced his punishment. The Cleveland Browns QB has agreed that he will be suspended for 11 games and be fined a total amount of $5 million.
Watson was accused of violating the NFL‘s personal conduct policy following over 24 cases of sexual misconduct being filed against him. In addition to the suspension and fine, Watson has also agreed to undergo evaluation by behavioral experts and will follow the treatment that they recommend, Josina Anderson reports.
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The NFL originally wanted to get Deshaun Watson suspended for an entire season:
The newest agreement inked by both sides renders the punishment handed down by Federal Judge Sue L. Robinson invalid, the original ruling was a six-game suspension. The settlement is still not what the league originally wanted which was suspended for an entire season. Deshaun Watson released a statement following the settlement being signed by both parties.
“I’m grateful that the disciplinary process has ended and extremely appreciative of the tremendous support I have received throughout my short time with the Browns organization. I apologize once again for any pain this situation has caused. I take accountability for the decisions I made. My focus going forward is on working to become the best version of myself on and off the field and supporting my teammates however possible while I’m away from the team.”
The quarterback was asked if he feels the settlement does justice to him and the victims, Watson refrained from answering that question by stating that it is his opinion and he would keep it to himself. The settlement ends months of back and forth between Watson’s legal team, the NFL representatives, and the NFLPA. The current settlement will result in Deshaun Watson returning in week 13 of this season and what a coincidence it happens to be that the Browns will be playing against the Houston Texans.
This settlement is good for both the parties as the NFL gets to reduce some damage done to its image and reputation following the initial 6-game suspension issued by the disciplinary officer, with the QB having to pay a fine, it is a much harsher punishment than what he would have got and for Watson, the settlement means the end of a rough chapter in his life, he can finally get back to focusing only on football.
For the Cleveland Browns, this means that they will have to get used to having Jacoby Brissett for the time that Watson is gone, though the amount of $5 million is pennies for Watson who signed a massive contract with the Browns, it is still better than what he was set to lose if the settlement had not gone through. The NFL and Watson had attempted to engage in settlement talks earlier before Sue L. Robinson issued her ruling but the sides at the time could not reach any common ground.
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