It looks like Deshaun Watson’s status for the upcoming 2022 season is finally on the horizon. Cleveland Browns quarterback Sue Robinson is expected to be notified of a possible suspension decision on Monday. As reported. By CBS Sports NFL Insider Josina Anderson.
The NFL is reportedly pushing for an indefinite suspension that would last at least through the 2022 season. Watson faced 24 civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct during a massage session during his time with the Houston Texans. He has since settled 20 of these suits. Watson, who has denied any wrongdoing, was not indicted on criminal charges by two Texas grand juries earlier this offseason.
If Robinson follows the NFL’s recommendation and ends up serving a year-long ban, Watson and the NFLPA will likely appeal the decision. However, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell having the authority to rule on appeals, it seems unlikely that any major changes to the suspension will occur during the process. The unspecified piece of the recommendation also gives the NFL some room to increase the punishment on Watson if more information comes to light about the issue.
If suspended, the league would likely determine that Watson violated the league’s code of conduct policy. The NFL introduced the policy in 2007 in an effort to improve player behavior off the field. One of the most notable suspensions is current Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott was suspended six games in 2017 after the NFL’s lead investigator reportedly recommended no suspension. Along with Elliott, the Cowboys missed the playoffs a year after going 13-3.
With their quarterback status up in the air, the Browns recently signed former first-round pick Josh Rosen. The Browns’ depth chart also includes veterans Jacoby Brissett and Joshua Dobbs. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said last week that Watson and Brissett are going to get “a ton of reps” as the team moves through the early stages of training camp. Stefanski did not discuss Watson’s current status regarding a possible suspension.
“I don’t have much to add to Deshawn’s status,” Stefanski saidBy Zach Jackson of The Athletic. “We have a plan, and as information becomes available, we can adjust that plan.”
