Deshaun Watson Sidelined For 11 Games After NFL Appeal

Sex pest quarterback Deshaun Watson will be suspended for 11 games and fined $5 million, after the NFL and players association came to an agreement about his punishment. 

Watson was originally only suspended for six games over sexual misconduct allegations by a minimum of 24 women, most who have filed and settled civil lawsuits gainst the new Cleveland Browns starter. 

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell appealed the decision made by former federal Judge Sue L. Robinson, after she described the case as the most disturbing ever reviewed by the league. Goodell sought a one-year suspension, because after seeing the evidence against Watson, he believes the NFL should enforce it. 

“That there was multiple violations here, and that they were egregious and it was predatory behavior,” he was quoted saying in early August. “Those are things that we always felt were important for us to address in a way that’s responsible.” 

According to the agreement, Watson must pay a $5 million fine to be donated to charity, and will be professionally evaluated by behavioral experts and submit to the prescribed treatment program, before coming back in Week 13. 

The former Houston quarterback released a statement on Wednesday apologizing for his actions. “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,” Watson began. 

“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. I’m excited about what the future holds for me in Cleveland,” he concluded.  

Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said Watson’s status as a professional football player is why he was granted a second act. 

“I think in this country and hopefully in the world, people deserve second chances, OK. I really think that,” Haslam told the press. “I struggle a little bit. Is he never supposed to play again? Is he never supposed to be a part of society? Does he get no chance to rehabilitate himself? That’s what we’re gonna do, OK.”

“You can say that’s because he’s a star quarterback. Well, of course,” he continued. “But if he was Joe Smith he wouldn’t be [in] the headlines every day. We think people deserve a second chance.”

Here's #Browns owner Jimmy Haslam talking about giving Deshaun Watson a second chance, just like they once did with Kareem Hunt:pic.twitter.com/jbZTM4J3mv

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 18, 2022

Marie Finn