Deshaun Watson Settlement Reached

08/19/2022

By: Jeff Yoder

NFL and NFLPA Reach Middle-Ground on the Cleveland Quarterback’s Suspension

The Deshaun Watson fiasco finally concluded yesterday as the NFL and NFLPA agreed to a new 11-game suspension, including a $5 million fine. After Watson originally received a six-game suspension and no fine from arbitrator Sue Robinson, Roger Goodell and the NFL appealed the ruling, believing that an indefinite one-year suspension was appropriate for the actions that the Commissioner deemed egregious and predatory. The two sides ultimately found a compromise, as Watson will be able to return later this season (week 13 against his former team, the Houston Texans), but is facing the largest fine for any player in the history of the NFL.

 

Watson Maintains his Innocence

Despite being accused of sexual misconduct from over 30 women, Deshaun Watson did apologize, but still told reporters that he felt he was innocent. He said that the apology was aimed at “everyone that was affected by this situation”, and that “There were a lot of people that were triggered”.

 

What This Means for Cleveland

After trading for and immediately agreeing to a $230 million contract extension with the now-suspended quarterback this past March, the Browns now find themselves looking at Jacoby Brissett as their starter for the first 11 games of this upcoming season. However, rumors are starting to circulate that the Browns didn’t anticipate Watson’s suspension being this long and that they may take a swing at trading for Jimmy Garoppolo to fill in until week 13.

 

Additional Storylines

ESPN: Deshaun Watson Suspended 11 Games; What Now for the Cleveland Browns at Quarterback?

SI: Deshaun Watson Settled Without Having to Give a Sufficient Apology

 

Photo: Nick Cammett / Getty Images