What did the lawyer for the 24 plaintiffs say about Deshaun Watson’s suspension?
Despite the fine and suspension, the league’s stance has come under heavy fire and perhaps with good reason. Tony Buzbee definitely thinks so.
As the fallout of Deshaun Watson’s suspension continues, the lawyer for the 24 plaintiffs has now weighed in on the league’s decision to settle with the QB and he’s definitely not pleased.
Tony Buzbee slams the NFL for Deshaun Watson settlement
If there is one thing that is clear following the NFL’s decision to suspend Deshaun Watson, it’s that the story isn’t going to end there. As per his comments, Tony Buzbee - the lawyer for the 24 women who accused Watson of sexual misconduct - has made it clear that he’s not happy with how the suit which was filed back in 2021 concluded. Where the field is concerned, Watson was suspended for a total of 11 games on Thursday. As for finance, the Browns QB was fined to the tune of $5 million for violating the league’s code of conduct. Buzbee, however, does not see that as enough.
Statement from attorney Tony Buzbee on #Browns Deshaun Watson’s 11-game suspension pic.twitter.com/P7JF8X6I3v
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 18, 2022
In a less than sympathetic statement, the attorney directly called out the NFL’s commissioner Roger Goodell. “By settling this matter the way he has, Roger Goodell has proven one of two things: either his recent rhetoric was utter baloney, or his bark is much worse than his bite,” Buzbee said. “My belief is that he is nothing more than a paper tiger.”
Has the NFL set a bad precedent?
One interesting take-away from Buzbee’s comments is his suggestion that the league has sent the wrong message to survivors of sexual assault. Indeed, when compared with the indiscretions of players like Colin Kaepernick who still remains without a team, it would appear that Buzbee just might have a point.
Colin Kaepernick got blackballed from the #NFL for exercising his constitutional right and Deshaun Watson got 11 games and is gonna be paying out $5.65M dollars for spending 17 months terrorizing women. His contract is fully guaranteed. The #NFL always swings and misses.
— Mitchell (@themitchellfink) August 18, 2022
“The message today to all victims is clear, if you believe you have been sexually assaulted by a powerful person, keep your mouth shut and go away,” Buzbee said. “The NFL has certainly demonstrated that its ownership and the organization doesn’t care. To all sexual assault survivors, do not allow this recent ‘punishment’ to deter you. Keep speaking up and keep speaking out. Your voice matters. You are making a difference. We stand with you.”