- Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's suspension has been increased from six games to 11.
- Watson also has to pay a $5 million to an unspecified charity.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been suspended for 11 games in the upcoming season for violating the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy, the NFL announced Thursday.
Watson, who had been accused of sexual misconduct by more than two dozen women, was initially given a six-game suspension on August 1, but the NFL — which had sought a full-season ban — appealed the decision.
Watson will also face a $5 million fine, which combined with $1 million contributions from the Browns and the NFL, will create a fund that will support charities that promote education and prevention of sexual misconduct and assault, the league announced. The news of the revised suspension was first reported by ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter.
—Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 18, 2022
Watson was accused of making unwanted sexual advances during massages by more than 30 women, 24 of whom brought lawsuits against the 26-year-old quarterback. Watson has settled or agreed to settle 23 of the 24 lawsuits, according to ESPN.
Watson's initial six-game suspension had been determined by Sue L. Robinson, a retired federal judge and the league's disciplinary officer jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association. In her report she said the punishment was in line with others handed down to players who had been accused of sexual misconduct.
The NFL, however, appealed the decision two days later. The league was initially seeking a year-long suspension, Commissioner Roger Goodell had told reporters, but all parties settled with an 11-game ban, which will sideline Watson for more than half the 2022 season.
Watson released a statement after news of the agreement broke, saying he was "grateful" that the "disciplinary process" is over.
"I apologize once again for any pain this situation has caused," Watson added. "I take accountability for the decisions I made."
—Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 18, 2022
The Browns' owners, Dee and Jimmy Haslam, also released a statement supporting Watson. They said the team was committed to investing in programs in Northeast Ohio that "will educate our youth regarding awareness, understanding, and most importantly, prevention of sexual misconduct and the many underlying causes of such behavior."
—Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 18, 2022
Watson's actions alleged in the lawsuits took place between March 2020 to March 2021 while he was a member of the Houston Texans. Watson was traded to the Browns last March and given a $230 million contract extension, prompting criticism from the sports world.
Given the disciplinary measures, Watson is now slated to return in Week 13, when the Browns will face the Texans, his former team, in Houston.