Breaking news from the NFL early Thursday afternoon: The league has suspended Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for 11 games and issued a $5 Million fine for the 2022 season following a settlement with the NFLPA. Watson will also have to undergo a treatment plan with eligibility to return against his former team, the Houston Texans in Week 13. The news was confirmed by NFL insider Adam Schefter via Twitter.
Breaking: NFL and NFLPA reached agreement on an 11-game suspension for Browns QB Deshaun Watson, per sources. The settlement also includes a fine of $5 million that will go to charity. Deal still is not signed but it is agreed to. pic.twitter.com/2dFvcePL9k
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 18, 2022
NFL Suspends Deshaun Watson 11 Games With $5 Million Fine
Ever since judge, Sue L. Robinson levied her initial six-game suspension ruling, she left the opening for the league to go above and beyond in regards to punishment for Watson. In her findings, she noted the predatory nature of Watson and how badly he harmed his victims in a sexually demeaning manner. The league then countered with the commissioner, Roger Goodell assigning the case to attorney, Peter C. Harvey. The NFLPA seemed to want no part of a possible ruling from Harvey that would have likely been a year-long suspension and possible indefinite ban. This now puts the spotlight on Watson and the Browns to have a plan in place for Watson to get help and treatment.
Cleveland will now turn to the backup quarterback, Jacoby Brissett in hopes of treading water and keeping the team competitive for the first 11 weeks of the season. If he does, the Browns should be in the running for a playoff spot in the uber-tough AFC North. Let’s hope Watson is truly remorseful and changes his life for the better. If he can’t stay clean and truly change, the Browns quarterback carousel will just continue to spin with another lost season for Cleveland.
