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Deshaun Watson’s suspension was agreed to by the NFL and NFL Players Association Thursday following accusations the Cleveland Browns quarterback sexually assaulted two dozen women during massage therapy sessions.
Watson received an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine to a charity as part of the settlement. The reported agreement came after independent disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson levied a six-game ban on Watson. The NFL decided to appeal and push for a season-long ban.
The NFL said Watson must also undergo "undergo a professional evaluation by behavioral experts and will follow their treatment program."
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, #4, congratulates running back Jerome Ford, #34, after he scored a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Friday, August 12, 2022, in Jacksonville, Florida. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Watson reacted to the suspension in a statement through the team.
"I’m grateful that the disciplinary process has ended and extremely appreciative of the tremendous support I have received throughout my short time with the Browns organization. I apologize once again for any pain this situation has caused," Watson said.
"I take accountability for the decisions I made. My focus going forward is on working to become the best version of myself on and off the field and supporting my teammates however possible while I’m away from the team. I’m excited about what the future holds for me in Cleveland."
Browns team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam released a statement on the decision.
"As we have previously conveyed, Deshaun and his representatives have abided by the NFL and NFLPA structure awaiting a final decision and we have respected the process," they said. "Now that a decision on discipline has been reached, we understand this is a real opportunity to create meaningful change and we are committed to investing in programs in Northeast Ohio that will educate our youth regarding awareness, understanding, and most importantly, prevention of sexual misconduct and the many underlying causes of such behavior. Since Deshaun entered our building, he has been an outstanding member of our organization and shown a true dedication to working on himself both on and off the field. We will continue to support him as he focuses on earning the trust of our community."
BROWNS' DESHAUN WATSON 'TRULY SORRY TO ALL OF THE WOMEN I HAVE IMPACTED'
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson throws during an NFL football practice in Berea, Ohio, Sunday, August 14, 2022. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also released a statement.
"Deshaun has committed to doing the hard work on himself that is necessary for his return to the NFL," he said. "This settlement requires compliance with a professional evaluation and treatment plan, a significant fine, and a more substantial suspension. We are grateful to Judge Robinson and Peter Harvey for their efforts in addressing these matters, which laid the foundation for reaching this conclusion."
Watson would return in Week 13 against the Houston Texans. Jacoby Brissett is expected to the starting quarterback until then.
The accusations against Watson began in March 2021 after he requested a trade from the Houston Texans. He was accused by 24 women in Texas of sexual assault. He settled 23 of the 24 civil lawsuits against him and avoided criminal charges with two grand juries.
Robinson released a 16-page report detailing why she recommended a six-game ban. She described Watson’s behavior as "more egregious than any before reviewed by the NFL."
Goodell used Robinson’s report to push for a longer ban.
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"Because we’ve seen the evidence," Goodell said last week when asked why the NFL was seeking a longer punishment. "She (Robinson) was very clear about the evidence. She reinforced the evidence, that there was multiple violations here, and they were egregious, and that it was predatory behavior.
"Those were always things we felt was really important for us to address and in a way that’s responsible."
Watson has denied any wrongdoing throughout the matter and made his stance clear in his introductory press conference after he was traded to the Browns from the Texans.
"I have never assaulted, disrespected or harassed any woman in my life," Watson said as he sat next to head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry. "I was raised differently. That is not my DNA. That is not my culture. That is not me as a person."
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson waves to fans during an NFL football practice in Berea, Ohio, Sunday, August 14, 2022. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
In July, the Texans settled with 30 women after the team was accused of ignoring concerns and enabling Watson. Terms of the settlement remained confidential.
Watson missed the 2021 season as he initially requested a trade from the Texans. He signed a fully guaranteed five-year contract with the Browns upon joining the team. His contract was structured, so he would only make $690,000 as a base salary and just over $8.9 million for a signing bonus.
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In 2020, Watson had 4,823 passing yards and 33 touchdown passes.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
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