Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson Suspended 6 Games: Reports

CLEVELAND — Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was suspended for six video games Monday for violating the NFL’s private conduct coverage after two dozen ladies accused him of sexual misconduct in Texas, in line with reviews.

The information, reported by The Related Press and ESPN, comes after Watson the NFL Gamers Affiliation stated in a joint assertion with Watson on Sunday night time that they’d settle for the self-discipline and inspired the league to take action as properly.

“Each participant, proprietor, enterprise accomplice and stakeholder deserves to know that our course of is reliable and won’t be tarnished based mostly on the whims of the League workplace” the union stated in an announcement.

Watson performed for 4 seasons with Houston and was traded to Cleveland in March. He not too long ago settled 23 of 24 lawsuits filed by therapeutic massage therapists who accused him of sexual harassment and assault throughout appointments in 2020 and 2021.

If both facet appeals, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell or somebody he designates would make the choice below the league’s collective bargaining settlement. The union might then problem that ruling in federal courtroom.

The league beforehand sought an indefinite suspension of at the least a 12 months and a $5 million advantageous throughout a three-day listening to in June, in line with AP. The NFL Gamers’ Affiliation argued Watson should not be punished in any respect as a result of he was not convicted of any crime.

Two grand juries in Texas declined to indict Watson on felony complaints introduced by 10 of the ladies.

Of their lawsuits, the ladies accused Watson of exposing himself, touching them together with his genitals or kissing them in opposition to their will. One lady accused Watson of forcing her to carry out a intercourse act on him.

Watson has denied all wrongdoing and stated any sexual exercise with three of the ladies was consensual. He insisted he needed to clear his title earlier than agreeing to secret monetary settlements with 20 of the ladies in June.

The Texans reached secret monetary settlements with 30 ladies in July, together with one who filed a lawsuit in opposition to the workforce, accusing it of turning “a blind eye” to Watson’s habits. The others deliberate to do the identical earlier than the settlements have been reached, lawyer Tony Buzbee stated, in line with AP.