As Deshaun Watson continues to maintain his innocence and tries to restore his image, the Cleveland Browns and football fans across the United States wait for the NFL to determine the appropriate sentence for the star quarterback accused of sexual misconduct by 24 women.
Posted at 2:41 p.m.
A person with knowledge of the NFL investigation told The Associated Press that a decision was expected before the start of the camps. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity as the investigation led by Lisa Friel and Todd Jones is still ongoing.
When it’s completed, former judge Sue Robinson, who was jointly appointed by the NFL and its players’ association, will review the case and decide whether Watson violated the league’s personal conduct policy and what sanction should be imposed.
It will be Robinson’s first decision since being hired as prefect of discipline under the most recent collective bargaining agreement reached in March 2020. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell previously had the authority to suspend players .
The league and union may recommend the length of a potential suspension. If the union or the league appeals Robinson’s decision, Goodell or someone he designates “will make a written decision which will be final and will complete the case,” according to Article 46 of the collective agreement.
Watson does not face criminal charges after two Texas grand juries declined to bring charges. However, he is the target of civil lawsuits filed by 24 massage therapists who accuse him of sexual assault and harassment during private sessions while playing for the Houston Texans.
On Tuesday, Watson repeated that he was innocent.
“I never assaulted anyone,” Watson said. I have never harassed anyone or disrespected anyone. I never forced anyone to do anything. »
In the past, the NFL has punished several players for violating its personal conduct policy even though they were not charged with criminal offenses.
In 2010, Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for six games after being accused of sexual assault by two women. The case never made it to court and he did not challenge the NFL’s suspension.
The league has promised to be tougher on players accused of violence against women following the Ray Rice case in 2014. The running back was initially suspended for two games following an altercation with his future wife in a hotel elevator. After the disturbing video footage emerged online, Rice was suspended indefinitely by the league. Rice won his appeal and his status was reinstated two months later, but he never played in the NFL again.
In all, more than 20 players have been suspended for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy since 2014.
The league is aware of public opinion in Watson’s case. A person with knowledge of the league’s internal discussions told the AP that the NFL has learned from past mistakes regarding its leniency in cases of violence against women. The allegations against Watson are severe enough for him to be punished.
However, Marc Ganis, chairman of consulting firm Sportscorp Ltd, said the league could not punish Watson simply because of popular opinion. The disciplinary process should make it possible to avoid any reactionary decision.
“Facts and information must be the basis of the decision as to whether the behavior is worth the penalty for the player,” Ganis said. Deshaun Watson’s problem isn’t popular opinion, but whether he made those moves, which could be considered misconduct by the NFL. »
Watson might have to at least enroll in an assistance program. He raised many eyebrows when he said he had “no regrets” on March 25, when he was first publicly introduced as a member of the Browns. The latter acquired his services from the Texans and granted him a fully guaranteed contract for five seasons and 230 million US despite his legal troubles.
Watson admitted that comment may have had a negative impact.
“I have regrets about the impact on the community and that includes my family and this organization,” he said. This includes my teammates, who have to answer all these questions. That includes Cleveland Browns fans.
“This includes men and women across the world. I regret the impact this has had on so many people. »
Lawyer Tony Buzbee, who represents all the women suing Watson, would like to feel more remorse in Watson’s comments.
“I think it would be appropriate to see Deshaun Watson express regret or remorse for the way he treated these women, some who are suing him and some who haven’t — yet — said. Buzbee in a statement. Participating in an aid program will be one way to demonstrate this. We have nothing more to say about it. »