Following Deshaun Watson’s sexual misconduct allegations, a settlement was reached between the NFL and the NFL Players Association.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been fined $5 million and suspended for 11 games of the 2022 NFL season for violating the league’s personal-conduct policy. The league made this announcement on Thursday.
Watson must also consent to required testing and therapy.
According to the NFL, Watson’s ban will start on August 30 after the final roster cutdown, and he will be available for reinstatement on November 28. In Week 13, Watson’s former team, the Houston Texans, would be his first opponent. According to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, Watson will be qualified to visit the Browns’ facilities on October 10 and begin working out on November 14.
Deshaun Watson won’t play again in the preseason, according to what Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said to the media on Thursday.
Additionally, the league disclosed Thursday that the NFL and the Browns will each contribute $1 million to a fund to support the prevention of sexual misconduct and assault, which when coupled with Watson’s $5 million punishment will total $7 million.
Before former New Jersey attorney general Peter C. Harvey, who was chosen by commissioner Roger Goodell to hear the league’s appeal of Watson’s six-game suspension, issued his decision, the league and the players union came to an agreement.
23 of the 24 women who filed civil cases against Watson claiming he engaged in sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions have negotiated secret agreements with him.
