Deshaun Watson “would accept an eight-game suspension and a $5 million fine not to miss the entire season” while Brown’s QB awaits to know his fate after the NFL appealed to keep the suspension at least to extend one YEAR
- Deshaun Watson was initially suspended for six games of the NFL season
- Brown’s QB has been accused of lewd sexual conduct with dozens of women
- The NFL is looking to extend his suspension to at least a year, and he awaits his fate
- Watson would reportedly be willing to accept an eight-game ban and a $5 million fine
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson would accept an eight-game suspension and $5 million fine for not missing the entire season, it was reported Thursday.
Watson, who faces a possible year-long ban for sexual misconduct, would agree to a reduced sentence in a settlement, according to The Associated Press, which spoke to a person familiar with his defense on condition of anonymity.
The biggest question is whether the NFL would make that compromise.
An agreement has always been possible, but it’s not clear if the sides are in active talks.
The league is demanding a minimum 17-game suspension, a substantial fine of over $5 million and wants Watson to undergo an evaluation and treatment determined by medical experts before he can be reinstated.
Deshaun Watson is reportedly ready to accept an eight-game ban and a $5 million fine
The 26-year-old quarterback was awarded a six-game game by Sue L. Robinson last week
An independent referee suspended Watson, who was accused of lewd sexual behavior during massage appointments with two dozen women while playing for the Texans, six games for violating the league’s personal conduct guidelines on Aug. 1.
The league felt the punishment was insufficient and appealed the decision of retired federal judge Sue L. Robinson two days later.
When asked Tuesday at owners’ meetings why the appeal was filed, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, “Because we’ve seen the evidence.”
“She (Robinson) was very clear on the evidence. It reinforced the evidence that there were multiple violations here and they were egregious and that it was predatory behavior,” Goodell added.
“Those were always things that we felt were really important and should be addressed in a responsible way.”
Watson’s case now rests with Peter C. Harvey, a former New Jersey attorney general who was appointed by Goodell last week to handle the league’s appeal. Harvey’s decision could come at any time.
The 26-year-old has been accused of sexually assaulting and harassing dozens of massage therapists in the Houston area since his time with the Houston Texans
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wants Watson suspended for at least a year
Harvey’s decision “will be final”, according to the collective agreement. However, the NFL Players Association could seek to challenge his decision in federal court. A comparison would prevent that.
Meanwhile, Watson is scheduled to make his debut for the Browns at their exhibition opener in Jacksonville on Friday night. The three-time Pro Bowler has continued to practice throughout his high-profile case, which has drawn renewed criticism of the league’s handling of player discipline.
The Browns, who have been searching for a franchise QB for years, traded three first-round draft picks to Houston for Watson in March and then signed him to a five-year, $230 million contract.
Cleveland’s plan all along has been to play Jacoby Brissett, who has made 37 career starts while Watson is serving a suspension. That could change, however, if Watson is out for much longer or for the entire 2022 season.
A possible option for the Browns could be Jimmy Garoppolo, who was supplanted as a San Francisco starter by Trey Lance and is expected to be either traded or canceled by the 49ers this month.
Former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey will hear the NFL’s appeal
Watson has settled out of court with some of the women who have accused him