According to a recent report, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson might face additional punishment from the NFL in response to sexual misconduct charges.
Watson may have to testify in one of the remaining cases against him, according to Brent Schrotenboer of USA Today. He settled 23 out of 26 sexual misconduct lawsuits in 2022. One remains dormant, while another has been withdrawn. The lone remaining lawsuit was filed in October 2022.
After a lengthy and convoluted process, Watson reached an agreement with the NFL in August 2022. He was suspended for 11 games, fined $5 million, and ordered to undergo an evaluation and treatment.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Watson may face additional penalty based on the outcome of the case.
“Absent a settlement or dismissal, the remaining claims against Watson will go to trial at some point,” Florio wrote on February 15. “Although he has been suspended 11 games by the NFL for the allegations, the league has not completely ruled out the possibility of further punishment, given the evidence that could emerge in the remaining cases and/or eventual verdicts.”
Florio’s revelation appears to contradict what Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported following Watson’s settlement with the league.
“Any new allegations of the same conduct from 2019-2021 wouldn’t be subject to NFL investigation or discipline,” Pelissero said in a statement. “The NFL could still investigate if allegations arise that are different in nature (e.g. use of force, which was not alleged in the cases [Judge Sue L.] Robinson ruled on).”
Browns Say Deshaun Watson Has ‘Come a Long Way’
The Browns made the trade for Watson despite his off-field issues. The Browns’ owners, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, have been ardent supporters of Watson and praised him for his improvement.
“He’s gone a long way over the last year. He has worked tremendously hard to be a better person, man, and teammate,” Jimmy Haslam stated in July 2023. “I believe he has learnt a lot about himself, including what he can and cannot achieve. I believe he’s learnt who you can and cannot trust.
After his initial news conference, new Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey faced criticism for referring to Watson as a “really quality human being.”
“I can’t wait to get to work with him,” Dorsey stated on Monday, February 5. “Because, again, he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the game, and from what I’ve heard, he’s a great person. So I’m simply delighted for the opportunity.”
Browns Want Deshaun Watson on Field More
The Browns’ blockbuster trade for Watson has not worked out as expected. Watson has appeared in only 12 games for the Browns since the deal. The suspension kept him out of 11 games in 2022. He only appeared in six games last year due to injury.
Watson is 8-4 in his starts, passing for 2,217 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. The Browns still believe Watson can turn things around. The goal is that he will appear like the Pro Bowl quarterback he was with the Houston Texans. The goal will be to keep him on the field.
“We have a good feeling about Deshaun. On February 1, Browns GM Andrew Berry told The Athletic, “I believe the most important thing is that he stays on the field. “But we’re really pleased about Deshaun. We just want to make sure he is healthy.”
The Browns don’t have many options when it comes to Watson. He has a $230 million fully guaranteed deal. Watson is contracted to the team through the 2026 season.
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