Deshaun Watson Update: Browns Star Could Get Suspended for 4-6 Games Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations

The Cleveland Browns made a controversial move by trading troubled quarterback Deshaun Watson this summer, although they were aware of his impending season-opening suspension--which may come at a length in contrast with what most people expect.

Tony Rizzo of ESPN Cleveland speculates that the suspension may be significantly shorter than most people had assumed, as Clutch Points reported.

Rizzo tweeted a Deshaun Watson update that he had learned the punishment will last 4-6 games as per trustworthy sources. If it were to happen, that would be shocking.

According to earlier rumors, the NFLPA and the NFL were starting their negotiations with a full season as a minimum. Recently, Deshaun Watson reached settlements in 20 of the 24 legal cases in which 24 women had accused the Browns quarterback of either sexual assault or sexual harassment.

In a recent report by The New York Times, it was disclosed how many different women Watson had massages from throughout 17 months. Watson was also seen in videos with adult cinema celebrities.

Deshaun Watson was paid last year despite the Houston Texans' decision to bench him for the entire year. If the NFL gave the top quarterback such a light punishment, they would almost certainly come under heavy fire and condemnation.

Some people believe Deshaun Watson should never be allowed to play football again because of his alleged behavior.

What Happened?

In 20 of the 24 cases brought by women who accused him of sexual assault and harassment while he was playing for the Houston Texans, Deshaun Watson struck a settlement last month. The league's demand for an extended suspension of at least a year for the quarterback was made apparent during the hearing.

After analyzing the evidence, two grand juries decided not to prosecute Watson, and Watson has never been detained or criminally charged as a result of the claims.

The NFL has received criticism for its handling of allegations of female sexual assault and domestic violence. More recently, the NFL has made an effort to make amends by enforcing a personal behavior standard for all NFL personnel, including active and retired players, to resolve these concerns, per ABC News.

Watson Refused To Admit Bad Behavior

Mary Kate Cabot, a Browns reporter for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, discussed what to expect from the NFL's upcoming action on the situation and the Deshaun Watson suspension in ABC News' "Start Here."

"Well, these were from 24 massage therapists, mostly in the Houston area, who during from about the fall of 2020, they accused Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct during massage appointments," said Cabot. "[Although] 20 of the 24 have now been settled... this could mean sort of the beginning of the end of this whole saga."

Watson has maintained his innocence throughout the allegations and the Cleveland Browns have stood behind the player.

"If we didn't get comfortable with Deshaun the person, it wouldn't have mattered how talented he was, we wouldn't have pursued the trade," said Browns' general manager Andrew Berry during a press conference last month. "We believe in Deshaun, the person."

Watson refused to acknowledge wrongdoing, but Cabot claimed that he recently disclosed to her that he is "seeking some counseling."

Tags

Nfl, Sports, Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns