Despite Deshawn WatsonOff-field issues dating back more than a year make it unsure if his NFL punishment will be known by the start of the 2022 season.
Watson said Friday his plan still won’t settle any of the civil lawsuits filed against him through ESPN.com’s Sarah Barshop and Jake Trotter, and continues to argue that allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment are unfounded. Since there are no charges in criminal cases, the civil part of this saga comes to the fore with respect to NFL discipline. Players do not need to face criminal charges to be suspended, and the Browns’ new quarterback is expected to be suspended indefinitely.
The NFL is unlikely to act on Watson’s suspension until after his civil suit is complete as NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport notes that the league doesn’t want to impose discipline and then new information emerges that forces one to adjust to that discipline ( video). connection). The league investigation continues. At least 10 of the 22 women who filed a lawsuit against Watson spoke to the league, Mark Maske of the Washington Post. tweets. The League did not interview Watson, but Rapoport added that this was the latest stage of the investigation.
The attorney for the 22 civil accusers, Tony Buzzby, said 17 of Watson’s statements remain pending. Buzby expects four more women to join the lawsuit against Watson, who is scheduled to testify twice next week, according to ESPN. Since Watson does not plan to agree, this case may drag on for some more time.
Anticipating the suspension, the Browns have reduced Watson’s 2022 base salary to $1 million, which will significantly limit the financial penalties the quarterback will face if/after the NFL ban is lifted. The prospect of Watson not being suspended by the first week puts the NFL in an interesting position. The Texans have deactivated Watson throughout the 2021 season, but the NFL will be forced to make a decision regarding the commissioner’s exemption list if the suspension doesn’t show up by the first week. If Watson is not listed in this scenario, this opens the door. to QB starting the season and facing a seasonal suspension, a la Ezekiel Elliott in 2017. The league wasn’t ready to put Watson on the list last year, and Elliott was off the list five years ago. The Cowboys running back played eight games before being disqualified that year.