Deshaun Watson and the NFL agreed on an 11-game suspension, putting an end to the appeal over the length of the Browns quarterback’s suspension handed down by Sue L. Robinson, the league announced Thursday.
Watson will also receive a $5 million fine and must undergo counseling. It’s the largest fine for a player in league history. The quarterback is eligible to return versus the Texans on Dec. 4. Watson originally received a six-game suspension after being accused of sexual assault and sexual misconduct by more than 20 massage therapists.
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The NFL appealed Robinson’s decision as the league sought to suspend Watson for the entire 2022 season. Robinson is a former federal judge who was appointed by the NFL and NFL Players Association to decide Watson’s punishment.
Watson’s suspension will take effect at the final roster cutdown and he will be eligible for reinstatement on Nov. 28. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski announced Watson won’t play in the team’s remaining preseason games, but he’s still allowed to practice with the team until Aug. 30. According to reports, Watson can return to team facility Oct. 10 and resume practicing Nov. 14.
Watson’s fine and contributions from the NFL and the Browns of $1 million each will create a fund of $7 million, per the league’s instructions. This fund will support the work of non-profit organizations across the country that educate young people on healthy relationships, promote education and prevention of sexual misconduct and assault, support survivors, and related causes.
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“Deshaun has committed to doing the hard work on himself that is necessary for his return to the NFL,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement Thursday. “This settlement requires compliance with a professional evaluation and treatment plan, a significant fine, and a more substantial suspension. We are grateful to Judge Robinson and Peter Harvey for their efforts in addressing these matters, which laid the foundation for reaching this conclusion.”
Watson was never charged criminally through the allegations, but he did reach civil settlements with more than 20 of his accusers.
Watson publicly said he’s “truly sorry” for the first time in a pre-recorded interview that aired in Cleveland ahead of the team’s first preseason game last week.
Watson said in a statement Thursday: “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.
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“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. I’m excited about what the future holds for me in Cleveland.”
Watson then held a press conference after the team released a statement, saying he was innocent of the allegations. When asked why he accepted a settlement if he claims he’s innocent: “I’ve always been able to stand on my innocence and always said I never assaulted or disrespected anyone but at the same point I have to continue to push forward with my life and career.”
David Mulugheta, Watson’s agent, expressed a similar tone via Twitter: “Deshaun has always stated he is innocent of sexual assault. Nothing has changed in what he said. He also said he is remorseful, the decisions he made have created this situation. The settlement allows him to move forward with his life and career.”
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Tony Buzbee, the attorney for Watson’s accusers, released a statement Thursday afternoon with a critical response to the suspension settlement.
“By settling this matter the way he has, Roger Goodell has proven one of two things: either his rhetoric was utter baloney, or his bark is much worse than his bite,” Buzbee said in the statement, according to multiple reports. “My belief is that he is nothing more than a paper tiger. The message today to all victims is clear, if you believe you have been sexually assaulted by a powerful person, keep your mouth shut and go away. The NFL has certainly demonstrated that its ownership and the organization doesn’t care. To all sexual assault survivors, do not allow this recent ‘punishment’ to deter you. Keep speaking up and keep speaking out. Your voice matters. You are making a difference. We stand with you.”
The Browns acquired Watson in a trade from the Texans this spring before signing a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal with Cleveland.
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“As we have previously conveyed, Deshaun and his representatives have abided by the NFL and NFLPA structure awaiting a final decision and we have respected the process,” Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement Thursday. “Now that a decision on discipline has been reached, we understand this is a real opportunity to create meaningful change and we are committed to investing in programs in Northeast Ohio that will educate our youth regarding awareness, understanding, and most importantly, prevention of sexual misconduct and the many underlying causes of such behavior.
“Since Deshaun entered our building, he has been an outstanding member of our organization and shown a true dedication to working on himself both on and off the field. We will continue to support him as he focuses on earning the trust of our community.”
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(Photo: Douglas DeFelice / USA Today)