Deshaun Watson suspension: All the details of the settlement with the NFL
Deshaun Watson has come to a settlement with the NFL on his sexual misconduct case. He faces an 11-game suspension and will pay a fine of $5 million.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has come to a settlement with the NFL on his sexual misconduct disciplinary case and faces an 11-game suspension, a considerable increase from the original six-game ban that was handed by arbitrator and former Judge Sue Robinson.
Watson will also have to pay a hefty $5 million fine, the biggest financial penalty ever given to an NFL player.
The agreement also provides for mandatory mental health counseling for the quarterback.
The 26-year-old faced numerous sexual harassment claims against him, and Judge Robinson found that he had violated the league’s personal conduct policy. Watson had settled with most of the 25 women who sued him for sexual assault or misconduct during private massage sessions.
Watson grateful that it’s over
Watson came out with a statement through the Browns expressing relief that the disciplinary process has ended.
“I apologize once again for any pain this situation has caused. I take accountability for the decisions I made. My focus going forward is on working to become the best version of myself on and off the field and supporting my teammates however possible while I’m away from the team,” he said.
Under the settlement, the former Houston Texans quarterback will return for week 13 of the NFL regular season, precisely when he has to face his previous team in the league. Jacoby Brissett is poised to take over during his absence.
Watson’s fine to be used for sexual assault prevention programs
The settlement also provides for an additional donation of one million dollars each from the NFL and the Browns, and according to the NFL, the fine slapped on Watson as well as the donations will be used to create a $7 million fund to support nonprofit organizations around the country that educate young people to have healthy relationships, and promote education on and prevention of sexual harassment.
“Deshaun is committed to working hard and doing what is necessary for him to be able to return to the NFL. This requires a personal evaluation, a treatment plan, a fine and a heavy suspension,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.