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The NFL is trying to impose an indefinite suspension of no less than a year under the league’s personal conduct policy on Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, according to Andrew Beaton of the Wall Street Journal.
Several women have accused Watson of sexual assault or misconduct during the massage sessions that took place in 2020 and 2021. Twenty of the 24 civil lawsuits filed against the marshal have been resolved, though as of June 13 , two more were in the process.
Watson has denied the allegations. In addition, two grand jurors refused to charge him with criminal charges in March.
By Jenny Vrentas of the New York NewsWatson met with at least 66 women for massage dates over a 17-month period from 2019 to 2021.
He NOW The report stated that the Houston Texans, Watson’s former team, provided him with hotel members and confidentiality agreements to use for some of the appointments.
For Beaton, an answer about Watson’s future in the NFL is expected to come during the week of July 4, if not sooner. An arbitration hearing will take place next week.
The initial decision will be made by a neutral arbitrator, former U.S. District Court Judge Sue Robinson.
Beaton gave more information on why the NFL is pushing for a long suspension:
“The league’s belief that it should institute what is essentially the strictest discipline it can assess is based on its investigation over the past year, the breadth of allegations against it and some allegations that officials at the The NFL has concluded that they are especially convicted, although the league’s arguments include a wide range of charges against Watson — in addition to the 24 lawsuits, other women have accused him of harming him without taking civil action against him. -, officials have focused on five of the alleged victims whose cases they believe include the most compelling evidence. “The league will focus on these five cases, as it advocates a significant ban. These cases include contemporary corroboration, such as text messages, of women’s accounts, said two of the people. League officials believe these particular allegations are objectively demonstrable and set a clear and disturbing pattern of Watson’s behavior. “
According to Beaton, the league will not accept a suspension of less than a year. In addition, an indefinite suspension would give the league a chance to keep Watson out of the game for longer if more developments occur, such as an increase in charges against him.
The NFL and NFLPA have tried to negotiate the terms of Watson’s suspension, but that has not led to a resolution. In addition, the NFLPA is prepared to fight any decision made.
The Cleveland Browns traded Watson in March and signed him on a five-year, $ 230 million contract.