Deshaun Watson was fined $5 million and got a sudden suspension of 11 games, and ordered to undergo counselling and treatment for breaking the NFL’s conduct code on Thursday. On the other hand, there were a few promising words at the bottom of the NFL’s statement: Today’s announcement finishes the process.
The 11 games don’t seem like enough, especially in light of the 24 women who filed lawsuits accusing Watson of sexual misconduct, the fact that Judge Sue L. Robinson determined the NFL had established beyond a reasonable doubt that he sexually assaulted the four women whose cases were brought before her.
The Commissioner Roger Goodell referred to Watson’s alleged actions as voracious last week. When linked to the fully certain bond for $230 million that the Cleveland Browns loaded upon Watson in the spring, the fine is ridiculously irrelevant.
Watson’s Thursday assertions that he is innocent and has never sexually assaulted or even degraded anyone that he was apologising because so many people were triggered that this settlement is not accompanied by regret or even self-awareness.
What NFL’s Thought On The Six Game Suspension
It is only merely a desire to move on with his life. Hopefully, the counselling is sufficient. It is not enough for Watson to move on with his life in light of the alleged nature of his behaviour and Robinson’s conclusion.
He needs to change it and realise that the Browns apparently cared so much about Watson’s ability to receive a massage without incident that, according to general manager Andrew Berry on Thursday, the team developed a plan as soon as the trade was finalised for how Watson would receive massages in the event that he ever suffered a soft tissue injury.
However, the NFL also desired to move on with its existence, which is why a settlement was reached. The NFL Players Association requested much less time off than what the league had first sought and demanded while Robinson’s initial six-game punishment was being appealed.
The 11 games are a significant increase from what Robinson initially demanded, but it is obvious that the main focus of this agreement was to put an end to this, to get Watson and this shady case out of the news and far away from the beginning of the new season in early September.
Here Is The NFL Judgement On The Watson Settlement
It was anticipated that the union would have filed a lawsuit against the NFL if it had simply imposed the sanctions if desired. This agreement is significant, definitive, immediate, and final, according to a league source, who also gave the NFL’s justification for accepting it.
It is also dissatisfying, but settlements typically aren’t. Both parties agree they can live with the outcome even though neither side receives everything they wanted. Everyone valued completion. In his remarks on Thursday, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski used phrases like “clarity” and “assurance.”
He learns the details of his quarterback dilemma. Watson is aware of the requirements for reinstatement, saving the NFL from spending months trudging in and out of courtrooms during a prior court action against a player, one owner observed that the league fighting a player in court helped only the lawyers and their billable hours.
The public, who probably won’t have to listen to Watson or the Browns’ owners talk, may end up being the biggest winners, though. Even knowing everything that has transpired since Cleveland first acquired Watson from Houston in March, owner Jimmy Haslam told reporters on Thursday that he would definitely make the trade for Watson again and made a strong case for people deserving second chances.
How Deshaun Watson As A Player
Additionally, he verbally said what had been clear ever since the Browns pursued Watson. He wants to win games, allegations and all, so this was a long-term strategy. Deshaun is a high-level NFL quarterback who is 26 years old, and we intend to keep him as our quarterback for a very long time, Haslam stated on Thursday.
The Browns were aware that Watson would face some punishment, but they almost definitely did not anticipate it to be 11 games. The Browns, however, made a cynical wager that once Watson is on the field, his performance will be so transcendent and the victories will come in such a steady stream that fans will eventually overlook his alleged behaviour.
The owner’s comments, who also highlighted that ticket sales had been excellent, are tone-deaf despite the fact that there is abundant evidence from prior examples to suggest that is the correct estimate.
However, Dee Haslam could have made the most significant statement on Thursday. She seemed to disagree with Watson’s own evaluation of what he had done nothing wrong without explicitly saying so.
What To Expect From Watson Counselling
Counselling takes a lot of time, according to her, which is part of the reason the NFL wanted this agreement now to have Watson evaluated by professionals who will then recommend a course of treatment. She added that she believes Deshaun will learn a lot about himself in counselling.
So let’s hope. Watson might face harsher punishment or a longer wait before being reinstated if he refuses to obey or participate. No one desires that. One of the most concerning player cases the NFL has ever dealt with was Watson’s.
His lack of repentance on Thursday indicates that the punishment might not have been severe enough. The settlement’s most positive aspect is hence that this incident occurred.
Faqs
Do Players Receive Paid When They Are Suspended By The NFL,?
The purpose of a league suspension of a player is to benefit ownership, not the player. Few people appear to think that, but it is true. The salary cap is not charged because the player is not paid.
Why Was Deshaun Watson Given An 11-Game Suspension?
Deshaun Watson, the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, reached a settlement with the NFL after being accused of sexual assault by two dozen women. As part of the agreement, Watson will serve an 11-game unpaid ban, pay a $5 million fine, and receive professional evaluation and treatment.
Do Watson May Practice While Under Suspension?
Watson will not participate in any preseason games, according to coach Kevin Stefanski, but he is permitted to practise up until the suspension on August 30. The team’s facilities won’t be accessible to him again until Oct. 10, or approximately halfway through the suspension. On Nov. 18, Watson can resume working out, and two weeks later, he can be re-instated.