3:29pm: Barring an indefinite suspension that takes Watson off the field immediately, the Browns announced they do plan to start their big-ticket acquisition Friday.
12:50pm: Roger Goodell took a public stance on the Deshaun Watson matter, saying disciplinary officer Sue Robinson’s report indicated the Browns quarterback committed multiple violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Appeals appointee Peter Harvey’s ruling could well come down week, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com notes.
With Robinson determining Watson violated the policy, the NFL appealed. The league’s appeal is expected to produce a much longer ban than six games. One league source called it a “slam dunk” Harvey will enforce the league’s preferred one-year ban, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com notes, and others would be surprised if the sixth-year QB’s ban is not significantly lengthened.
“We’ve seen the evidence,” Goodell said, via ESPN.com’s Jeff Legwold. “[Robinson] was very clear about the evidence, should we enforce the evidence. That there was multiple violations here, and they were egregious, and it was predatory behavior.”
The league is trying to move on this appeal ruling before the Browns begin their preseason slate, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, who tweets the NFL has indeed asked for an indefinite suspension that keeps the controversial QB off the field for Cleveland’s preseason as well. The NFLPA said a ruling Friday could indeed shelve Watson for the Browns’ preseason opener against the Jaguars.
Preseason competition is not exactly consequential in this grand scheme, but the league would avoid additional PR backlash by keeping Watson sidelined before his suspension starts. If a suspension does not prevent it, the Browns would like to give Watson some game action Friday, cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot tweets.
Watson, who has not taken the field since Week 17 of the 2020 season, cannot return to action until at least Week 7 of this season. The NFLPA not appealing Robinson’s decision takes Watson off the field for the Browns’ first six games. This matter becoming a courtroom drama — which is the expectation — would only affect Watson’s availability for Week 7 and beyond.
The sides have discussed a settlement off and on for several weeks, but Peter King of NBC Sports adds a resolution between the NFL and NFLPA before Harvey’s ruling is unlikely. A union move to settle would make more sense at this point, with the league having a clear opportunity to see its long-held hope — a 17-game ban — come to fruition via Harvey. Absent a full-season suspension, the NFL has sought a heavy fine — in the $8MM range — that helps account for the wildly unpopular contract the Browns authorized.
The contract structure has not only irked the NFL, but King adds the deal, which dropped Watson’s 2022 base salary to the league minimum to protect him against a suspension, has not sat well with the other 31 teams as well. Multiple owners also expressed to ESPN.com’s Ed Werder that Robinson’s ruling was too light (Twitter link). If Harvey’s suspension sidelines Watson throughout the 2022 season, his contract tolls to 2023. The QB’s deal would, then, run from 2023-27. Watson playing in 2022 keeps him signed through 2026.
He should NEVER be allowed to play again! It’s appalling this predator is allowed to continue his criminality…..
This
so they could’ve kept 3 1st round picks + the only qb to ever win a playoff game for the franchise,
and instead they dumped it all for this guy..
there’s never been a more Browns move
Goku the All Knowing Unfortunately, from a pure football POV, if Watson is back next season and plays up to expectations, it’s still a win unless Baker breaks out in Carolina this year and reestablishes himself as a franchise QB.
It’ll sting now, but if Baker is just average in Carolina and Watson is back winning games with them next year, they aren’t going to regret sacrificing this one year to upgrade.
I mean Watson was good, but they’ve passed on better guys in past drafts including Watson himself.
Texans may end up using Browns pick to draft the Bama or OSU QB next year as icing on the cake.
I doubt the Browns will have that high of a pick. Mayfield was the 26th or 30th rated quarterback last year and the Browns had as many as 22 guys on covid. If it’s the whole year, they have the money to get Garapollo. Browns have too much talent everywhere else to only win 4 or 5 games
Could be used in a trade to move up. Thank your team for taking our problem and GIVING us multiple picks.
If you take the picks given up and add those to Baker I doubt this will be a win for the Perv Backers. Too bad he isn’t in GB that joke would have worked better. My point if Baker makes as many playoffs as Perv then you take 3 first rnd picks which if done right at min will get 3 starters maybe 2 all pro teams that is not a win for Perv Backers.
You also have to reverse engineer this Perv Backers are losing 3 starters with their FO maybe 2. I guess when you draft as poorly as these guys it won’t matter a lot.
Baker is not going to have as many playoff appearances as Watson. I like Baker and wish him well but the facts are he’s thrown more interceptions than anyone since he was drafted. He was the 26th or 30th (depending upon the ratings index) rated quarterback last year. He’s been too inconsistent and turnover prone. Getting Watson’s troubles behind him and playing football and you’ll see it was a good trade.
“When you draft as poorly as these guys…”? Guess I missed that when they were grabbing Chubb, Delpit, Newsome, Ward, JOK, DPJ, York, Winfrey, and others. Yep, pretty bad at that.
You drafted the “problem”. What makes you believe they won’t do it again. I’d stay away from Stroud. Ohio State has never put even an average quarterback in the NFL
Browns have ZERO talent on either side of the ball
they do have ward, garrett & chubb
but I wouldn’t call them loaded with talent
they have a lot of average players like Cooper and Clowney
It’s still the Cleveland Browns.
When the schedule was released, Vegas already had them mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
so you think this guy will all of sudden stop his sexual predator ways and never ever again get in trouble….right
Don’t forget they more than doubled the most guaranteed money ever given in one contract, while assuring that total wouldn’t be affected by even a full year suspension. On top of tying the record for most first round picks dealt away by one team in one trade.
I don’t care about guaranteed money. The guy is 26. Quarterbacks play until the mid 30’s. And with the way the league protects them, chances are he’ll be healthy for his time
ohhh nooooo.
bang the texans too
Watson will bang them when he gets to it.
You mean bang on the garbage cans? Houston did that already
Its funny how the NFL thinks they are better fit, to handle punishment of a suspected crime, than 2 grand juries. Goodell at his finest once again.
They are. The standard for punishment by a criminal court is higher than just about any other standard, and in cases of sexual assault that are just accuser and accused in a room, it’s extremely difficult for the criminal court standard to be met. The standards for civil suits, disciplining someone in the workplace, or just about anything else are much lower than beyond a reasonable doubt–especially when you’re allowed to punish a larger pattern of behavior.
He is an employee/representative of the league and they can punish him relative to his employment as they see fit. If they were doing as you say, they would be looking to imprison him. Instead he will be walking free, but not allowed to represent the league on the field for a determined amount of time.
Not another team blind fan. Poor Perv he is getting picked on. When you are a sexual predator you lose a lot of rights. Mainly sane people feeling a bit sorry for you or backing you. The Perv is a POS and if it was 20 years ago the guy would be carted off the field very early. Maybe 30 years for sure 40 back in my time. They wouldn’t have the ACL surgery he would be done. Oh and Perv Backers would be out $230 mill or $320 I forget. I don’t wish injury on any player but there are exceptions to every rule. Rapistbugger would fall in that category too but that Mountain is hard to hurt.
Love to see Watson blow out his knee 1st play of the preseason. Would be absolutely awesome. The whole country would be cheering
Well, almost half the country voted for a sexual predator, so I bet there’s a pretty big segment of the population who wouldn’t be cheering.
Sexual predator? Worse yet it was creeping on kids…BTW Sleepy Joe won.
Maybe he meant Clinton…oh, another sexual predator.
And you say he’s sick? I doubt the “whole country” would be cheering. Maybe a large part but I’m 100% sure I can guarantee it wouldn’t be the “whole country” unless of course you mean “country” in the context of that hillbilly town that has three large streams of water running through it but still can’t flush the stench away, then yeah, country applies.
I don’t know why you keep saying 320. Are you dyslexic?
Shocking that the NFL doesn’t want a piece of trash sexual predator on their field. Keep believing the BS that Watson didn’t do anything wrong.
Oh I’ve got a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you. You sound like you’d be interested.
Do keep in mind the these grand juries were looking at the criminality of the events. Roger is looking at conduct based on policy established by the league and the NFLPA. Two different, dare I say “probes” into this!
well Watson has to represent the league on and off the field..
so even if the guys totally innocent , this has still turned into a MAJOR PR issue for the league.
they can’t afford to lose viewers over one player
Don’t you think it hurts the PR od the league to have the owners doing what they are?
anyone paying attention knows that anyone not working in the justice system is more qualified to administer justice than those in it
I don’t get it! I don’t give a crap about browns, Texans or Watson – likely a creep of a person but many people break the moral code and still have the right to work. After two counties police depts, courts and even FBI could not bring any criminal charges forward. What am I missing here?
That criminal prosecution and workplace punishment aren’t the same thing?
Ok but nfl has long history of allowing such transgressions with minimal to no punishment. From Big Ben to owner Kraft. Where criminal offenses did not result in punishment. Feels like Watson is being singled out.
Big Ben was suspended. And the volume of transgressions was significantly larger with Watson, thus a significantly larger suspension is warranted.
Personally I think both suspensions were/are light.
The whole redskins workplace too
Kraft n Big Ben will likely get statue at canton at some point too
1) Roethlisberger was punished.
2) The larger discourse has changed, and the NFL is trying to take a harder stance on domestic and sexual violence than they did before. The Ray Rice incident, for example, happened after the Roethlisberger accusations. After how the Rice situation went, Kareem Hunt was released almost immediately after his video surfaced.
3) Punishing owners is completely different, because The NFL, as an entity, basically *is* the owners. They own the league. Goodell works for them. It takes a *lot* for an owner to face major punishment.
Big Ben got six games by the way. Browns willing to employ and give this man a 2nd chance – that’s great we move on with a fair and consistent punishment. But nfl upset and browns/Watson for smart contract or singling him out for a new standard seems incorrect.
We have no idea on why Watson thought or still thinks he did no wrong but that’s the browns issue now. I’m
Not for 3rd chances but also not for unfair punishment either cause that could be viewed so many different ways. Ñ
Like I said, standards have changed since Big Ben.
Watson’s major problem was him giving the finger to the NFL and reworking his contract to keep from losing as much money this season. That was a beyond stupid move that was likely to backfire on him.
Wrong again
You’re wrong as always
How so? Him reworking his contract pissed off the nfl. There are multiple reports stating this.
You are wrong on so many issues. He never reworked his contract. This is the contract he was signed to. Under Andrew Berry,there have been 10 contracts signed for big money that received the exact same 1.035 million the first year. Just like Watson’s. This is how the Browns structure their signings. Does it look like they did it to save Watson fine money? Sure, but it’s just not reality. You’ve questioned me before on the tolling of his contract and I proved you wrong. Don’t do it again
When you do it 40+ times you can’t really say it’s the same as some caught once.
Not according to the CBA you keep referring to. You gotta stay consistent dude. The CBA clearly states that owners are to be held to a higher standard.
And the owner paid for the service that was agreed to and performed.
Watson is a predator that looked for different girls every time time. Just do to Las Vegas and get a hooker. But it’s about power over women to Watson. He thinks he’s above the law. Watson would die in prison
your brain
in B4 browns fans cry how unfair it is
too late
I crack up at the mouth breathing Clowns fans who to this day bash Ben R over his similar transgressions (which was one time and has since been discredited, but regardless – still his fault). These people foam at the mouth and cheer for DeShaun, who has had to settle, what? 23 suits so far?
The league can never have him play on a weekend where they have pink ribbons and helmets, or it would be disasterous.
I’m in favor of moving this franchise yet again, or giving Haslam the “sell your franchise” penalty the Clippers owner got. Most embarrassing team and fanbase in all of sports and humanity.
I wish this writer would get the facts better. If Watson takes this to Federal Court, it does affect the first 6 games. This coming from a lawyer that has represented NFL players in suspension cases.
As I said at the time, this was a ridiculous signing. I won’t comment about the allegations other than to say that taking a risk on this guy was absurd when you’ve put together a very good football team
I get it. He’s ultra-talented
But they had to know a suspension was coming that would disrupt things. They had to understand quite possibly, the guy would have been sitting out two full seasons before ever taking the field for them. They had to realize that quite possibly, the Browns roster next year won’t be as strong as this one. Hunt already wants out
I’m not even a Browns fan but this was a ludicrous idea. And given the fact that there were plenty of talented QBs who were available via trade?
Ridiculous
I think the Browns were expecting about 8 games. With 8 games, you’re probably not making the playoffs. Honestly, I’d rather Watson get a full year instead of 10-12 games. His contract will toll and he’ll still have 5 years. As for missing 2 seasons, Payton Manning missed 2 seasons before he signed with Denver and had a record setting year. I’m quite sure if Andrew Luck decided to come back after the season he retired, the Colts would have loved to have him. These guys were coming back from major surgeries and in Manning’s case, he was 10 years older than Watson
Cleveland will never win the AFC North let alone a Super Bowl while your boyfriend Watson is under contract with them.
That’s a fact. Watson has won nothing and that’s how it’ll always be.
Brownsbacker – Manning missed 1 year. Get your facts straight. This coming from the guy who repeatedly says “I’m right all the time!” Especially when Watson got 6 games, you were dancing on everybody, singing too, “I’m right, told you so, I’m always right!” How many QB’s have you had since coming back into the League?? Add 2-3 more for this year. Good luck with Jacoby Brissett as your QB. I think his record as a starting QB is like 12w’s & 25L’s.
I love it when someone points out that I was wrong and Manning only missed one season….seemed longer because of his 3 surgeries, and then he states an incorrect won/loss record for Brissett. Priceless
The writer knows the facts. You just buy your boyfriends propaganda
That may be true since the NFL has appealed the decision of Judge Robinson regarding the penalty, not the findings. However, since his side accepted her decision, it is probably in his best interest to stay out of games 1-6. He would then be in a position to say his side accepted the independent arbitrator’s decision in good faith while the NFL reneged on the agreement to install its own arbitrator. If he tries to continue playing while the matter is in the courts and continues to deny any guilt that resulted in the arbitrator’s decision, it could hurt his standing in court. The Browns would be acting in their own best interests if they enforced the suspension for the first six games regardless of what is decided afterwards.
Not sure why you don’t listen probably because you are never wrong and smarter than people on here. The 6 games will go in affect if the judge doesn’t order an injunction. If he doesn’t the 6 game suspension will start then both teams will have to file a motion for him to be held out still or let play. Go back and read the part about the NFLPA not appealing if they did the 6 games would not have started. Injunctions are not automatic they are filed and ruled on. I know because I watched every episode of Suits.
Oops that should be under Pervbacker2
The article doesn’t say that. Of course the NFLPA is going to ask for it and since when hasn’t a judge issued an injunction? You go to the court that is friendly. That would be the Delaware Federal Court. That’s where Sue Robinson presided. I guarantee you that she isn’t very happy with the NFL right now
You’re right, I am smarter than most on here. Most people here only know the fantasy football stuff and nothing about the game and rules. I read a lot and I’m able to retain what I read.
This feels race related. Big Ben did The most horrific stuff to women got suspended 3 games and nobody cared the rest of his career. Watson did creepy criminal stuff but nowhere near what Big Ben did. How is he getting 6+ games? Precedent says he should get less then Big Ben.
I dunno about the “nobody cared” aspect the Big Ben situation. Every other article about him and each one on Watson has seen someone mention his case.
Apparently the Steelers FO didn’t care. They signed him to extension after extension
Backer, they certainly had some “come to Jesus” discussions, as well. His motorcycle accident was one thing but these were another. They’ll never admit it, but someone in the organization “coached” him to find a good woman, have kids, buy a home, mention Jesus in every sound byte and donate to police organizations.
In other words, he grew up. Still doesn’t change the fact that Pittsburgh choose winning over right.
All teams choose winning over what’s right in the modern era. You can’t be serious with this line of logic
There’s so much fans *don’t* know. We don’t know how many players are annually accused. We don’t know what teams do in reaction. We only know of names that make the news and have the rumor mill to provide details
Your continued harangue against Roethlisberger is reflective of this. I’m not defending the guy, was never a fan of his and know of his reputation in those early years first hand
What I don’t know or care to know is what happened with those two women. Neither do you. And the same can be said regarding the dozens of women who’ve accused Watson
You continue to stand on the soap box and use the tired old “what about.. “ retort And you keep missing the point
I don’t care about Roethlisberger either. I’ve never cared. Why I bring him up is for the hypocrites on here who are too scared to even mention what team they root for because I guarantee you that they have overlooked guys that did stuff on their team. Are you one of those? Are you a Steelers fan that was so outraged what Roethlisberger did that you wanted him signed to multiple extensions
the main difference is Steelers were already stuck with him since it happened after he was signed and drafted.
they didn’t go out of their way to acquire a guy with 25 accusations
They could have released him or not signed him to extensions. By signing him to extensions AFTER he did what he did, didn’t the Steelers do what the Browns did? Reward a guy who was accused of sexual assault. Damn I’m good
No, backer, I’m one of the old school guys left over from the glory days of the Steelers. You know, guys who when they retired had to find new careers.
I’m a “fan” who enjoys the games themselves but often finds it hard to watch given the outrageous salaries and behaviors
I’m a dinosaur
To be truthful, I’m betting there are numerous guys on every team—no matter the pro sport—who have had situations like we are discussing. I’m betting teams have become adept at keeping the lid on such things
You’re right about hypocrisy. I’ll give you that. I’ll root for teams on game day but when it comes to the personalities and the like, no thanks
Big money killed sports in so many ways. Guess you have to be a dinosaur to understand
Exactly. I’ve said plenty of times that I root for the name on the front and not the back. I’ve never bought a jersey in my life.
No, someone “coached him” on playing the sleazy political game of winning the PR game to make people forget what he did. Just too soon with Watson. Give it fives years of “coaching” and the inevitable other NFL player, coach, or owner screwing up, and people will move on from this.
Keep dodging your boyfriends predatory behavior. More lawsuits are coming.
“That there was multiple violations here, and they were egregious, and it was predatory behavior.”
Apparently not so egregious or predatory to dissuade the woman from accepting a profitable settlement however.
What choice do they have, really? Unless it’s caught on film or visible physical signs, etc, extremely difficult to prove rape or sexual assault
I look at what Roethlisberger and Watson have done as essentially making all of it go away. I don’t think either could afford long, protracted court proceedings with salacious details
I’m not exonerating either guy. I’m certainly not questioning the women. It just is what it is
What do you think a civil case is about? It’s not about criminality.
Money quiets a lot of people but doesn’t quiet them all. Also, what happens when Watson inevitably goes further and thinks all he has to do is pay the women off?
That was Kobe’s defense when he got snared in the rape case in Colorado. He claimed Shaq just paid women off…no wonder they didn’t hit it off as teammates.
I would allow Watson practice with the team in the preseason and maybe let him him play in the preseason games.
I would not zork him out of that, but that six game suspension is a joke
I’d throw him out of the league. Playing in the NFL isn’t a right. It’s a privilege.
Go play in the Middle East where they don’t care about women.
Mid East Football, I would pay to see that, lol
I hope is mama is proud
Ray Rice should sue the NFL.
The problem with Rice was twofold. One, his was on video and 2, he was not that good anymore. Hunt got a second chance because he was young and very good. It’s not just sports that does that either
Just claim the evidence was planted and plead the fifth.
That’s evidently good enough.
Browns should check in and see if Bill Cosby is available to QB this year.
Trump is available…..for now
You must have thought I meant Bill Clinton? I was referring to a different rapist. No worries, as a likely Biden voter you probably get confused often.
Both Clinton and Trump are bad but Trump actually has more accusations and lawsuits than Deshaun Watson. Plus we’ve all seen his canceled check to Stormy
Watson said he was innocent of wrong doings. So why did he settled out of court if he was innocent? Why did the Texans settled with 30 women this summer? I say both the Texans and Watson can’t tell the truth to anyone. I see now Watson would do 8 games and $5 millions in fines. When did he gets a choice about his punishment. If I was the new deciding his case I would suspend him 2 games for each woman who settled out court. Suspend him for life with a hearing every year he stays out of trouble. Also fine him for $100 millions in fines also. Make him sign up as a Sex Predator. If he get into trouble with law again. He would get a lifetime ban forever with a chance of getting back into the NFL!
Haha
you guys shouldnt censor brownsbacker09 he trolls a lot but hes not hurting anyone its all good fun