Editor’s note: This story contains details of a sexual nature that were described in court and league documents.
CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson violated the NFL’s conduct policy according to former U.S. District Judge and independent arbitrator Sue L. Robinson.
Monday morning Robinson ruled that as a result, Watson should be suspended for the first six games of the 2022 season.
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The NFL sought an indefinite suspension, including at minimum the entirety of the 2022 season in addition to a fine.
Robinson’s 16-page ruling outlined the process, the record, the NFL’s investigation, a detailed explanation of her findings that Watson violated the conduct policy in the three ways the NFL alleged and ultimately her final ruling.
Robinson wrote that (1) “I find that the NFL has carried its burden to prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that Mr. Watson engaged in sexual assault (as defined by the NFL) against the four therapists identified in the Report. Mr. Watson violated the Policy in this regard;” (2) “the NFL has carried its burden to prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that Mr. Watson’s conduct posed a genuine danger to the safety and well-being of another person;” (3) “it is apparent that Mr. Watson acted with a reckless disregard for the consequences of his actions by exposing himself (and the NFL) to such public scrutiny and speculation. Mr. Watson’s predatory conduct cast ‘a negative light on the League and its players,’ sufficient proof that he violated this provision of the Policy.”
Robinson’s ruling on discipline was as follows:
1. “Mr. Watson is hereby suspended for six (6) regular-season games without pay. Although this is the most significant punishment ever imposed on an NFL player for allegations of non-violent sexual conduct, Mr. Watson’s pattern of conduct is more egregious than any before reviewed by the NFL.”
2. “Recognizing that the only discipline mentioned in the CBA is a fine or suspension, I nevertheless believe it appropriate for Mr. Watson to limit his massage therapy to Club directed sessions and Club-approved massage therapists for the duration of his career, and so impose this mandate as a condition to his reinstatement.”
3. “Mr. Watson is to have no adverse involvement with law enforcement, and must not commit any additional violations of the Policy.”
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.
The acquisition of Watson sparked 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.
Sunday evening Watson and the NFLPA released a joint statement 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 shortly 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 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 pretrial 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.
Robinson found the four cases presented to her by the NFL to be credible.
“I find this sufficient circumstantial evidence to support the NFL’s contention not only that contact occurred, but that Mr. Watson was aware that contact probably would occur, and that Mr. Watson had a sexual purpose – not just a therapeutic purpose – in making these arrangements with these particular therapists,” Robinson wrote, later adding, “Mr. Watson knew, or should have known, that any contact between his penis and these therapists was unwanted.”
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 September 11 at Carolina.
Watson received a warm but muted reception from Browns fans during the first open practice of training camp Saturday and once again Monday afternoon. Watson signed dozens of autographs following both practices to the delight of fans.
Should Robinson’s ruling stand, Watson is scheduled to make his Browns regular season debut in Baltimore October 23 against the Ravens at 1 p.m.