- Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been suspended for six games over 24 accusations of sexual misconduct, sources told AP.
- The NFL now has three days to decide whether to appeal the ruling or not.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been suspended for six games over 24 accusations of sexual misconduct.
The suspension, ordered by Sue L. Robinson, a disciplinary officer jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, comes just months after the NFL suspended Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley through "at least" the 2022 season for betting $1,500 on the 2021 season.
With Watson's punishment set, the now NFL has three days to decide to appeal Robinson's ruling.
While the NFL Players' association has said it would abide by Robinson's ruling, the league had earlier pushed for an indefinite suspension of at least one year and at least a $5 million fine, the Associated Press reported.
"Pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the NFL or the NFLPA on behalf of Watson may appeal the decision within three days. In light of her findings, the league is reviewing Judge Robinson's imposition of a six-game suspension and will make a determination on next steps," a statement from the NFL said.
According to Robinson's ruling, the most commonly imposed punishment for violent sexual misconduct is the recommended six-game suspension, whereas non-violent sexual misconduct usually calls for a three-game suspension.
Based on those factors, Robinson's chose to offer a lesser sentence than what the NFL recommended.
Robinson also ruled that Watson "limit his massage therapy to Clubdirected sessions and Club-approved massage therapists for the duration of his career."
The NFLPA released a joint statement with Watson Sunday evening upon learning the decision from Robinson, a former US district judge, was imminent.
"Regardless of her decision, Deshaun and the NFLPA will stand by her ruling and we call on the NFL to do the same," the statement from the union said.
—NFLPA (@NFLPA) July 31, 2022
Watson has settled 23 of the 24 lawsuits filed against him in 2020 and 2021 by women who alleged sexual misconduct during massage therapy appointments.
—Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 1, 2022
Watson was acquired by the Browns in the 2022 offseason as investigations into his conduct were carried out. The Browns ultimately traded away a load of picks to the Houston Texans to bring their new quarterback to Cleveland, and immediately signed him to a fully-guaranteed, five-year, $230 million contract.
Should the NFL decide not to appeal Watson's suspension, he will miss the first six games of the year and likely make his debut with the Browns in Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Neither Tony Buzbee, who represented the women accusing Watson of sexual misconduct, nor Rusty Hardin, who represented Watson, immediately responded to Insider's request for comment.