Deshaun Watson suspended six games

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson throws a pass during the NFL football team's training camp, in Berea, Ohio, Wednesday, July 27, 2022, as a wait for a decision on potential discipline for Watson following accusations of sexual misconduct will continue into another week. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane) Credit: AP/Ron Schwane
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who had been accused by 24 female massage therapists of sexual assault or misconduct while he played for the Texans, has been suspended for six games, sources confirmed. He has not been fined as part of the disciplinary measure, sources said.
The decision was handed down on Monday by retired federal judge Sue L. Robinson, who presided over Watson’s case last month during a three-day hearing. Robinson ruled that Watson had violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy, which mandates a minimum six-game suspension in cases in which sexual assault allegations are involved.
Either Watson or the NFL can appeal the decision. However, the NFL Players Association, which assisted Watson during the proceedings, announced Sunday night that it would not appeal Robinson’s decision and urged the NFL to do the same.
“We have fully cooperated with every NFL inquiry and provided the NFL with the most comprehensive set of information for any personal conduct policy investigation,” the union statement said. “A former federal judge — appointed jointly by the NFLPA and NFL — held a full and fair hearing, has read thousands of pages of investigative documents and reviewed arguments from both sides impartially . . . Regardless of her decision, Deshaun and the NFLPA will stand by her ruling and we call on the NFL to do the same.”
If the NFL were to appeal, the case would be heard by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell or someone he designates.
In a statement, the NFL thanked Robinson “for her review of the voluminous record and attention . . . that resulted in her finding multiple violations of the NFL personal conduct policy by Watson.” The league added that it is “reviewing Judge Robinson’s imposition of a six-game suspension and will make a determination on next steps.”
Watson was not charged criminally in connection with any of the allegations brought by the massage therapists. Two grand juries declined to charge the former Texans quarterback. A total of 25 therapists sued Watson in civil court, although one of those cases subsequently was dropped. Watson recently settled 20 of the 24 remaining cases. Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represented the women, announced Monday that three more cases had been settled, leaving one case still active.
Last month, the Texans announced settlements with 30 women who either made claims or were preparing to charge the team for its role in facilitating and/or advising Watson regarding the massages.
Watson remained on the Texans’ roster last season and was paid his $10.5 million salary, but he was inactive for the entire season. After a Harris County grand jury declined to press criminal charges in March, the Texans negotiated a trade of Watson with four teams — the Panthers, Falcons, Saints and Browns. The Texans agreed on a deal with Cleveland in which the Browns sent three first-round picks and third- and fifth-round choices. Watson agreed to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract.
Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement issued Monday afternoon:
“We respect Judge Robinson’s decision, and at the same time, empathize and understand that there have been many individuals triggered throughout this process. We know Deshaun is remorseful that this situation has caused much heartache to many, and he will continue the work needed to show who he is on and off the field, and we will continue to support him.”
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski previously indicated that backup Jacoby Brissett would start in Watson’s place during a suspension.
Under terms of the suspension, Watson will be allowed to practice with the team in the preseason and will be prevented from entering the team’s facility for the first three weeks of the suspension. After that, he can return to the team and participate in meetings until the conclusion of the suspension.
If the terms of the suspension don’t change, Watson will return on Oct. 23 against the Ravens after missing games against the Panthers, Jets, Steelers, Falcons, Chargers and Patriots.
Some notable player suspensions under the NFL’s personal conduct policy:
2022 — Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson suspended six games (accusations of sexual harassment and assault while playing for the Houston Texans).
2021 — Running back Derrius Guice suspended six games (domestic violence).
2020 — Wide receiver Antonio Brown suspended eight games (multiple violations of personal conduct policy).
2019 — Cleveland running back Kareem Hunt suspended eight games (assault caught on video).
2019 — Seattle defensive lineman Jarran Reed suspended six games (assault accusation).
2019 — Raiders guard Richie Incognito suspended two games (disorderly conduct).
2018 — Seattle linebacker Mychal Kendricks suspended eight games (insider trading).
2018 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston suspended three games (accused of touching a female Uber driver inappropriately in 2016).
2018 — Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith suspended four games (domestic violence).
2017 — Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott suspended six games (domestic violence).
2017 — Kicker Josh Brown suspended six games (domestic violence).
2017 — Bengals cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones suspended one game (assault). Jones was suspended six games in 2008 and for one season in 2007 (multiple violations of personal conduct policy).
2015 — Cowboys defensive Greg Hardy suspended 10 games (domestic violence). Arbitrator Harold Henderson later reduced suspension to four games.
2014 — Baltimore running back Ray Rice suspended indefinitely (domestic violence).
2014 — Defensive lineman Aldon Smith suspended nine games (violations of personal conduct policy and substance abuse policy). Also suspended in 2015 (violations of the league’s substance abuse policy). Reinstated in 2020.
2014 — Vikings running back Adrian Peterson suspended indefinitely (child abuse case). Reinstated in 2015.
2010 — Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suspended six games (accusation of sexual assault by two women). Suspension later reduced to four games by commissioner Roger Goodell.
2008 — Vikings offensive lineman Bryant McKinnie suspended four games (arrested on aggravated battery charges after a street brawl outside a nightclub).
2007 — Falcons quarterback Michael Vick suspended indefinitely (dogfighting). Reinstated by commissioner Roger Goodell in 2009.
2007 — Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson suspended eight games (gun charge).
2007 — Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry suspended eight games (multiple violations of personal conduct policy).
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