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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshawn Watson has been suspended for six games and suspended for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy following 20 lawsuits alleging sexual assault, according to multiple reports. He was fined without penalty.
Former federal judge Sue L. Robinson, who was named disciplinary officer in the case, reportedly ruled Monday. Watson recently settled 23 of 24 lawsuits in Texas accused of sexual assault, according to an attorney representing the woman.
The NFL has yet to make a decision on whether to appeal the ruling. ESPN reports that there are three days left until the league’s decision.
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The NFL Players Association said Sunday it would not appeal the ruling and asked the league to do the same.
“Prior to Judge Robinson’s decision, we wanted to reiterate the facts of this proceeding. We have provided the NFL with relevant information,” the union said. in a statement.
“The former federal judge, jointly appointed by the NFLPA and NFL, held full and fair hearings, read thousands of pages of investigative documents, and impartially considered arguments from both sides. Members, business partners and stakeholders deserve to know that our process is legal and will not be harmed based on the whims of the League Secretariat. , which is why DeShawn and the NFLPA support her decision and call on the NFL to do the same.
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If either side appeals, a clause in the collective bargaining agreement says that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell or someone he designates will make the decision. can.
At a hearing in June, the NFL called for at least a one-year indefinite suspension and a $5 million fine. The union argued that because Watson was never convicted of a crime, he should not be punished.His two grand juries in Texas have rejected Watson’s criminal charges.
The lawsuit alleges that Watson exposed himself to female massage therapists by touching them with his penis and kissing them without permission. One woman claimed Watson forced her to perform oral sex.
After being traded from the Houston Texans to the Browns, Watson denied any wrongdoing in the matter and clarified his position during his first press conference.
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“I have never assaulted, disrespected or harassed a woman in my life,” he said, sitting next to head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry. “I was raised differently. It’s not my DNA. It’s not my culture. It’s not who I am.”
In July, the Texans settled with 30 women after the team was accused of ignoring concerns and enabling Watson.
Watson sat out the 2021 season after first asking the Texans to trade him. Upon joining the team, he signed a fully insured five-year contract with the Browns.
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In 2020, he had 4,823 passing yards and 33 touchdown passes.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.