Editor’s note: This story contains details of a sexual nature that were described in court documents.
Cleveland, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson violated the NFL’s conduct policy, according to former U.S. District Judge and independent arbitrator Sue L. Robinson.
It was determined Monday morning by Robinson that as a result, Watson should be suspended for the first six games of the 2022 season.
The NFL sought an indefinite suspension, including, at minimum, the entirety of the 2022 season.
Watson’s disciplinary hearing wrapped up on June 30 and post-hearing briefs were due to Robinson by July 12.
The Browns acquired Watson from the Houston Texans for six draft picks, including three first rounders, in March and gave him a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract to get him to waive his no trade clause for Cleveland.
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The acquisition of Watson spared a range of emotions from Browns fans – some elated to land the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback who led the NFL in passing in 2020 to anger over the trade in the wake of allegations that had been made against Watson.
Watson and the NFLPA released a joint statement Sunday evening, in which they said they would “stand by her ruling and we call on the NFL to do the same.”
Under terms of the 2020 collective bargaining agreement both parties have the right to appeal Robinson’s decision within three days and the appeal would be heard by commissioner Roger Goodell “or his designee.”
The news of the discipline against Watson came after news broke that Watson, who has pledged to clear his name, settled three more lawsuits against him, leaving one active case remaining.
In June, Watson settled 20 of his lawsuits.
Terms of the 23 settlements remain confidential.
A total of 25 lawsuits were filed against Watson, who used social media to arrange massage therapy appointments, alleging misconduct during the sessions ranging from trying to coerce them to touch him in a sexual manner to exposing himself according to the allegations that were filed in civil court.
Multiple plaintiffs accused Watson of ejaculating during their therapy sessions and one plaintiff accused Watson of forcing her to perform oral sex.
One lawsuit was dropped after a judge ruled in April 2021 that the plaintiffs would be required to amend their petitions and include their names.
During pre-trial discovery this year, it was revealed that multiple plaintiffs contacted Watson after the alleged incidents, some worked with him again and some complaints that filed against Watson were modified.
Watson has repeatedly denied the allegations made against him and maintained his innocence.
Last month, the Houston Texans quickly settled 30 lawsuits filed against them related to allegations made against Watson that accused the team of aiding his alleged misconduct.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said last week that backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett would start in place of Watson this season should Watson be unavailable.
The Browns open the regular season on Sept. 11 against Baker Mayfield and the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Watson received a warm, but muted reception from Browns fans during the first open practice of training camp. Watson signed dozens of autographs, gave away his cleats and practice shirt and posed for photos following the session.
Should Robinson’s ruling stand, Watson is scheduled to make his Browns regular season debut in Baltimore on Oct. 23 against the Ravens at 1 p.m. ET.
Watson and the Browns are scheduled to meet the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park this season on Sunday, Nov. 20 for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff at Highmark Stadium.
