Goodell: No timetable on NFL investigation of Deshaun Watson

A decision to the NFL’s investigation into Deshaun Watson’s conduct might take a while, Commissioner Roger Goodell mentioned Tuesday.

The quarterback, now with Cleveland after a commerce from Houston, is not going to be indicted on prison sexual misconduct prices introduced by 22 girls. He nonetheless faces 22 civil lawsuits.

Goodell mentioned “there is no such thing as a timetable” for the NFL finishing its investigation.

“We’re going to let the info lead us, discover each reality we are able to,” Goodell mentioned. “Not less than there’s a decision from the prison facet of it. Our investigation hopefully can have entry to extra data. We are going to converse to everybody who may give us a perspective.”

As for a possible suspension for Watson, Goodell famous {that a} self-discipline officer collectively appointed by the league and gamers’ union would make that dedication. However he dismissed ideas that Watson would go on the commissioner’s exempt listing, which might forestall him from participating in Browns actions, together with video games.

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates a landing in the course of the staff’s NFL soccer recreation in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 20, 2020, in Indianapolis.
(AP Photograph/Zach Bolinger, File)

NFL EXEC BLASTS DESHAUN WATSON’S NEW CONTRACT WITH BROWNS

Watson sat out all the 2021 season in Houston, although he remained on the Texans’ roster and was paid. The staff selected to make him inactive every week.

“I feel at this level, the civil litigation wouldn’t set off that,” Goodell mentioned of the exempt listing.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell appears on earlier than the Las Vegas Raiders play in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on October 4, 2021 in Inglewood, California. 
(Sean M. Haffey/Getty Pictures)

Watson signed a record-setting $230 million, absolutely assured contract, which features a $1 million base wage within the first season within the occasion he’s suspended by the NFL. Requested if that form of contract disturbed him, Goodell mentioned it might not have an effect on any self-discipline for Watson.

“The private conduct coverage could be very severe to us and it doesn’t want a prison (indictment),” Goodell famous. “A choice can be made on whether or not there ought to be any self-discipline and what it’s.”

In related previous instances involving such civil allegations, Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sat out 4 video games, then Dallas working again Ezekiel Elliott missed six video games.