Editor’s Note: This article contains references to sexual assault. If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline. 1-800-656-4673 or https://www.rainn.org.
of browns, deshawn watson The NFL is currently awaiting a ruling from Roger Goodell’s designees on the league’s appeal of Watson’s six-game suspension.
Watson is currently scheduled to miss the first six games of 2022 following a recommendation from disciplinary officer Judge Sue L. Robinson. Brown’s ruling comes after more than a year-long investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and assault against the quarterback.
Former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey will hear the NFL’s appeal. “We respect and respect the process,” Cleveland owner Jimmy Haslam said Tuesday of Harvey’s final decision. Around Washington PostMark Muske of.
The league appealed Wednesday, two days after Sue L. Robinson, the NFL’s and players’ union’s mutually appointed disciplinary officer, recommended Watson be suspended for six games. In his ruling, Robinson said the quarterback engaged in “conduct that poses a genuine danger to the safety and well-being of others and that undermines or endangers the integrity of the NFL.” However, she said Watson’s behavior was a violent act requiring a minimum six-game suspension, which the NFL has established as the most commonly imposed discipline for domestic or gender violence and sexual conduct. It does not fall into the category of
The NFL has reportedly claimed throughout the process that it wants an “indefinite suspension” of more than a year. seeks a certain monetary fine.
Goodell nominated Harvey to hear the appeal on Wednesday. served as a member of the committee that voted
No timetable for a decision from Harvey was reported, but the NFL said the appeal would be processed “expeditiously.” responded to the league’s appeal.
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Over 20 women have detailed graphic descriptions of sexual harassment and assault that occurred during their massage therapy sessions.The account goes from Watson’s alleged refusal to cover his genitals to the quarterback’s “moving [a plaintiff] Trying to force her to have oral sex with his penis. ”
Twenty-five women filed civil lawsuits against Watson from March 2021, but in April 2021, only one dismissed the lawsuit, citing privacy concerns. He has now reportedly settled all but one civil lawsuit.
Following Robinson’s recommendation, Jimmy and Dee Haslam issued a statement saying they respected Robinson’s decision.
“We respect Judge Robinson’s decision, and we sympathize and understand that many individuals have been induced through this process.” statement read“DeShawn knows he regrets that this situation has caused heartache to many. He will continue to do the work necessary to show who he is on and off the field and We will continue to support him.”
The quarterback has denied all allegations against him, and two Texas grand juries this spring have refused to bring criminal charges against him. With clauses built into his five-year contract that guaranteed a $230 million mandate, he’ll only lose $55,556 in every game he’s been suspended this season. If the judgment becomes final, this will total approximately $350,000.
The earliest Watson can play is against the Ravens in Week 7, unless a longer suspension is imposed on appeal. However, according to pro football talk‘s Mike Florio, Cleveland is slated to play Watson in the preseason.
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