Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson may face further punishment from the NFL over allegations of sexual misconduct, according to a new report. Watson settled 23 out of 26 sexual misconduct lawsuits in 2022, with one remaining dormant and another being withdrawn. The lone remaining lawsuit was filed in October 2022. He also settled with the NFL in August 2022, receiving an 11-game suspension, a $5 million fine, and a requirement to undergo evaluation and counseling. However, there is still a possibility of additional punishment depending on the outcome of the case.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, if no settlement or dismissal occurs, the remaining claims against Watson will go to trial. Despite the NFL’s 11-game suspension, the league has not ruled out the possibility of further punishment due to potential evidence that may emerge in the remaining cases or eventual verdicts. This contradicts a report by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, who stated that any new allegations of the same conduct from 2019-2021 would not be subject to NFL investigation or discipline.
The Browns made the trade for Watson despite his off-field turmoil. Owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam have been vocal supporters of Watson and praised his personal growth. Jimmy Haslam stated that Watson has come a long way in the last year, working hard to become a better person, man, and teammate. He believes Watson has learned a lot about himself, his capabilities, and who to trust.
Ken Dorsey, the new offensive coordinator for the Browns, faced criticism after describing Watson as a “really quality human being” during his introductory press conference. Dorsey expressed excitement about working with Watson, highlighting his skills as one of the premier quarterbacks in the league and his reputation as a person of high moral character.
DESHAUN WATSON’S ROCKY START WITH BROWNS: ONLY 12 GAMES PLAYED
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Deshaun Watson’s highly anticipated trade to the Cleveland Browns has been a major disappointment. In his two seasons with the team, Watson has only managed to play in a mere 12 games. The star quarterback’s time on the field has been plagued by suspensions and injuries.
Last year, Watson was forced to sit out for 11 games due to a suspension. And in the six games he did manage to play, he struggled with injuries. This has left the Browns questioning whether the trade was worth it.
Despite the setbacks, Watson has shown promise when he has been able to play. In his starts, he has thrown for 2,217 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. The Browns are hopeful that Watson can regain his Pro Bowl form from his time with the Houston Texans. However, the key to his success will be his ability to stay healthy.
Browns General Manager, Andrew Berry, expressed his optimism about Watson’s future with the team. “We feel good about Deshaun. I think the biggest thing is just him staying on the field,” Berry said in an interview with The Athletic on February 1. “But in terms of just Deshaun in particular, we’re excited. We just want to make sure he’s healthy.”
Unfortunately for the Browns, they have limited options when it comes to Watson. He is locked into a massive $230 million fully guaranteed contract that ties him to the team until 2026. This means they will have to find a way to make the most out of their investment.
Only time will tell if Watson can turn things around and become the game-changing quarterback the Browns had hoped for. But for now, they are left with the challenge of keeping him on the field and maximizing his potential.
J.R. DeGroote, Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Lakers Correspondent
According to the Source heavy.com