Deshaun Watson’s suspension: Which games is he missing and when will he make his debut?
The suspension of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been handed down, and he will be only be missing a measly number of games.
Disciplinary officer Judge Sue Robinson has made her decision after the hearing on allegations of sexual misconduct against Deshaun Watson, and the Cleveland Browns quarterback will be suspended for a mere six games.
His suspension, seen by many in the football world as no more than a slap on the wrist, follows multiple reports that the NFL was planning to ban him from playing for a long period of time, some even indicating it would last an entire season.
A six-game suspension for “egregious” behavior
Although the former federal judge said that Watson engaged in “egregious” behavior and that there was “lack of expressed remorse”, she said that as he had financially compensated the victims, he could get off the hook by not playing a few games. The three-time Pro Bowler had settled most of the 24 civil lawsuits filed against him before the disciplinary hearing began.
See also: Why was Deshaun Watson’s suspension so light?
As such, the 26-year-old will miss the start of the Browns’ season, starting with the Sept. 11 game against the Carolina Panthers on Week 1 of the NFL regular season. Next is the Browns’ home game against the New York Jets on Sept. 18, then another home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 22.
After that comes the Week 4 game against the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 2, then another home game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Oct. 9. The last game he will sit out with be the Week 6 home game against the New England Patriots on Oct. 6.
The suspension will be lifted and Watson will return to action on Oct. 23, when Cleveland plays against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7.