Sue L. Robinson, the disciplinary officer appointed by the NFL and players association, ruled that Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson will be suspended for six games in 2022. The suspension comes after the NFL’s investigation into sexual harassment and assault allegations against Watson that lasted well over a year.
More than two dozen women have detailed graphic accounts of sexual harassment and sexual assault that occurred during massage therapy sessions. Twenty-five women filed civil lawsuits against Watson starting in March 2021, and only one dropped her case due to privacy concerns in April ’21. Watson agreed to settle 20 of the 24 civil lawsuits in June ’22. Watson reportedly settled three of the remaining four civil cases against him ahead of Monday’s disciplinary decision.
Watson has denied all allegations against him, and two Texas grand juries declined to indict him on criminal charges earlier this spring. The Browns’ quarterback is able to appeal the ruling, and league commissioner Roger Goodell will either make a final decision or call upon an independent ruler.
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