NFL suspends Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for 6 games
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By Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been suspended without pay for six games following accusations of sexual misconduct, the NFL announced Monday.
The NFL has suspended the 26-year-old Watson for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy following sexual assault accusations made by women in Texas in 2020 and 2021.
In a report obtained by NFL.com, Judge Sue L. Robinson said that Watson’s conduct was “more egregious than any before reviewed by the NFL.”
The NFL thanked Robinson and said it will review her findings to determine its next steps.
“We thank Judge Sue L. Robinson, the independent disciplinary officer, for her review of the voluminous record and attention during a three-day hearing that resulted in her finding multiple violations of the NFL Personal Conduct Policy by Deshaun Watson. We appreciate Judge Robinson’s diligence and professionalism throughout this process.
“Pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the NFL or the NFLPA on behalf of Watson may appeal the decision within three days. In light of her findings, the league is reviewing Judge Robinson’s imposition of a six-game suspension and will make a determination on next steps.”
— NFL Statement
Watson would be eligible to return on Oct. 23 when the Browns play at Baltimore. He can continue to practice and play in exhibition games before his suspension begins the first week of the regular season.
In June, Watson settled 23 of 24 lawsuits filed by the women alleging sexual harassment and assault during massage therapy appointments when he was playing for the Houston Texans.
The NFL had pushed for an indefinite suspension of at least one year and a $5 million fine for Watson during a three-day hearing before Robinson in June.
There was not enough evidence for an indefinite suspension, according to ESPN. Both sides have three days to appeal the ruling.
According to The Associated Press, allegations surfaced in 2021 that he acted inappropriately with the women during massage therapy sessions he scheduled via social media.
Watson has denied all wrongdoing, insisting that any sexual activity with three women was consensual. He insisted his goal was to clear his name before agreeing to confidential financial settlements with 20 of the women on June 21.
Photos: Deshaun Watson through the years Here are some photos of NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson through the years. (Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Photos: Deshaun Watson through the years 2014: Deshaun Watson of the Clemson Tigers warms up prior to the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Memorial Stadium on October 11, 2014, in Clemson, South Carolina. (Tyler Smith/Getty Images)
Photos: Deshaun Watson through the years 2015: Deshaun Watson of the Clemson Tigers holds the ACC Championship trophy after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 45-37 at the Atlantic Coast Conference Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 5, 2015, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Photos: Deshaun Watson through the years 2016: Dede Westbrook of the Oklahoma Sooners, Deshaun Watson of the Clemson Tigers, Jabrill Peppers of the Michigan Wolverines, Baker Mayfield of the Oklahoma Sooners and Lamar Jackson of the Louisville Cardinals pose for a photo with the Heisman trophy during a press conference prior to the 2016 Heisman Trophy Presentation at the Marriott Marquis on December 10, 2016, in New York City. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Photos: Deshaun Watson through the years 2017: Deshaun Watson of Clemson poses with Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell after being picked No. 12 overall by the Houston Texans during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017, in Philadelphia. (Elsa/Getty Images)
Photos: Deshaun Watson through the years 2018: Quarterback Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans throws a first-down pass against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 15, 2018, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
Photos: Deshaun Watson through the years 2019: Patrick Mahomes II and Deshaun Watson attend the world premiere event for "The Team That Wouldn't Be Here" documentary hosted by Verizon on January 31, 2019, in Atlanta. (Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Verizon)
Photos: Deshaun Watson through the years 2020: Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans celebrates a touchdown pass against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at NRG Stadium on January 4, 2020, in Houston. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Photos: Deshaun Watson through the years 2021: Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans in action against the Tennessee Titans during a game at NRG Stadium on January 3, 2021, in Houston. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Photos: Deshaun Watson through the years 2022: Quarterback Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns is introduced by general manager Andrew Berry (left) and head coach Kevin Stefanski during a press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on March 25, 2022, in Berea, Ohio. (Nick Cammett/Getty Images)