Browns Watson Suspended 11 Games Fined 5 Million After Settlement With Nfl

If you or someone you know needs support, those in Canada can find province-specific centres, crisis lines and services here. For readers in America, a list of resources and references for survivors and their loved ones can be found here. BEREA, Ohio (AP) – Deshaun Watson has settled with the NFL and will serve an 11-game suspension without pay and a $5 million fine rather than risk missing his first season as Cleveland Browns quarterback after sexual misconduct allegations. Watson has been accused of sexually assaulting and harassing two dozen women while playing for the Houston Texans. The league had tried to suspend him for at least a year for violating its personal conduct policy. As part of the settlement, which concludes the disciplinary process, Watson will also undergo a professional evaluation by behavioral specialists and follow their treatment program, the NFL said in a statement. “I am grateful that the disciplinary process is over and I am very appreciative of the tremendous support I have received throughout my short time with the Browns organization. I apologize once again for the pain this situation has caused. I take responsibility for the decisions I made,” Watson said in a statement released through the team. “My focus going forward is to work to be the best version of myself on and off the field and support my teammates as much as possible I’m away from the team.” Asked later if he thought the settlement was fair, Watson said: “I’ll keep my opinion to myself.” The settlement ends the months-long relationship between Watson’s legal team, the NFL and the NFL Players Association. As part of the settlement, Watson can return for the Browns’ Dec. 4 game in Houston. “As we have conveyed previously, Deshaun and his representatives have complied with the structure of the NFL and the NFLPA pending a final decision, and we have respected the process,” team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said. “Now that a discipline decision has been made we understand that this is a real opportunity to create meaningful change and we are committed to investing in programs in Northeast Ohio that will educate our youth about awareness, understanding and most importantly, prevention of sexual misconduct and the many underlying causes of such BEHAVIOR.” On Aug. 1, the three-time Pro Bowler was suspended six games by Sue L. Robinson, a former federal judge appointed jointly by the league and the union to act as an independent disciplinary official. Robinson found the 26-year-old Watson violated the league’s personal conduct policy after reviewing an investigation into his actions and called his behavior “destructive” and “predatory.” Believing the suspension to be too light, the league appealed and pushed Watson’s case back to Goodell, who had handled all player discipline in the past. The league previously pushed for an indefinite suspension and a hefty fine. Goodell appointed former New Jersey Attorney General Peter S. Harvey to hear the appeal. Harvey is an attorney who was previously involved in the NFL’s decision to suspend Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott for six games during the 2017 season over domestic violence allegations. According to the 2020 collective bargaining agreement, Harvey’s decision would constitute a “full, final and complete resolution of the dispute.” At the owners’ meetings this month, Goodell said the league’s pursuit of an annual ban was justified after its investigation and Robinson’s findings. “It strengthened the evidence,” Goodell said. “There were a lot of violations that were egregious and it was aggressive behavior.” In her conclusion, Robinson cited Watson’s lack of remorse as a factor in her decision. Watson apologized for the first time “to all the women that I’ve affected” before making his Browns debut at an exhibition in Jacksonville. Watson was accused of being sexually inappropriate with women during massage therapy sessions from March 2020 to March 2021 in Texas. In civil lawsuits filed in Texas, the women accused Watson of exposing himself, touching them with his penis or kissing them against their will. A woman claimed that Watson forced her to perform oral sex. Two separate courts in Texas have declined to indict Watson, who has denied any wrongdoing. It recently settled 23 of 24 lawsuits. For now, the suspension ends months of speculation about whether Watson would play in 2022 for the Browns, who outbid several other teams, traded three first-round draft picks to the Texans in March and signed the QB to a five-year, $230 million deal . contract. Watson’s case has sparked strong opinions while raising questions about the league’s handling of player discipline and its shoddy record of supporting women. The Browns believe Watson could make them a Super Bowl contender. Without him, they could just struggle in the AFC North against defending conference champion Cincinnati along with Baltimore and Pittsburgh. The post also means Watson will sit idle longer. One of football’s top QB pros, he sat out last season in Houston after requesting a trade and before the sex allegations surfaced. In her 16-page ruling, Robinson found that the league proved Watson violated three provisions of the conduct policy: sexual assault as defined by the league, posing an actual risk to the safety and welfare of another, and undermining or endangering the integrity of the league. in danger. Robinson also pointed to flaws in the league’s conduct policy, saying it was unfair to “designate conduct as prohibited only after the conduct has been committed, just as it is inherently unfair to change the penalties for such conduct after the fact.” Her punishment was criticized by several organizations, including the National Organization for Women, which called it “unacceptable, offensive and dangerous — but not surprising. The NFL and the multi-billion dollar sports industry have a vested interest in enabling sexual misconduct, assault and violence.” Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents all 24 women suing Watson, and Ashley Solis, the first woman to go public with allegations against Watson, denounced the initial six-game suspension at a press conference in Houston in early August. Watson continued to train while his case reached the championship process. All along, the Browns’ plan was to turn their offense over to veteran Jacoby Brissett, who has made 37 career starts, during Watson’s suspension. But it’s now possible that Cleveland will explore other options at quarterback.

title: “Browns Watson Suspended 11 Games Fined 5 Million After Settlement With Nfl Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-10-21” author: “Gale Westover”

If you or someone you know needs support, those in Canada can find province-specific centres, crisis lines and services here. For readers in America, a list of resources and references for survivors and their loved ones can be found here. BEREA, Ohio (AP) – Deshaun Watson has settled with the NFL and will serve an 11-game suspension without pay and a $5 million fine rather than risk missing his first season as Cleveland Browns quarterback after sexual misconduct allegations. Watson has been accused of sexually assaulting and harassing two dozen women while playing for the Houston Texans. The league had tried to suspend him for at least a year for violating its personal conduct policy. As part of the settlement, which concludes the disciplinary process, Watson will also undergo a professional evaluation by behavioral specialists and follow their treatment program, the NFL said in a statement. “I am grateful that the disciplinary process is over and I am very appreciative of the tremendous support I have received throughout my short time with the Browns organization. I apologize once again for the pain this situation has caused. I take responsibility for the decisions I made,” Watson said in a statement released through the team. “My focus going forward is to work to be the best version of myself on and off the field and support my teammates as much as possible I’m away from the team.” Asked later if he thought the settlement was fair, Watson said: “I’ll keep my opinion to myself.” The settlement ends the months-long relationship between Watson’s legal team, the NFL and the NFL Players Association. As part of the settlement, Watson can return for the Browns’ Dec. 4 game in Houston. “As we have conveyed previously, Deshaun and his representatives have complied with the structure of the NFL and the NFLPA pending a final decision, and we have respected the process,” team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said. “Now that a discipline decision has been made we understand that this is a real opportunity to create meaningful change and we are committed to investing in programs in Northeast Ohio that will educate our youth about awareness, understanding and most importantly, prevention of sexual misconduct and the many underlying causes of such BEHAVIOR.” On Aug. 1, the three-time Pro Bowler was suspended six games by Sue L. Robinson, a former federal judge appointed jointly by the league and the union to act as an independent disciplinary official. Robinson found the 26-year-old Watson violated the league’s personal conduct policy after reviewing an investigation into his actions and called his behavior “destructive” and “predatory.” Believing the suspension to be too light, the league appealed and pushed Watson’s case back to Goodell, who had handled all player discipline in the past. The league previously pushed for an indefinite suspension and a hefty fine. Goodell appointed former New Jersey Attorney General Peter S. Harvey to hear the appeal. Harvey is an attorney who was previously involved in the NFL’s decision to suspend Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott for six games during the 2017 season over domestic violence allegations. According to the 2020 collective bargaining agreement, Harvey’s decision would constitute a “full, final and complete resolution of the dispute.” At the owners’ meetings this month, Goodell said the league’s pursuit of an annual ban was justified after its investigation and Robinson’s findings. “It strengthened the evidence,” Goodell said. “There were a lot of violations that were egregious and it was aggressive behavior.” In her conclusion, Robinson cited Watson’s lack of remorse as a factor in her decision. Watson apologized for the first time “to all the women that I’ve affected” before making his Browns debut at an exhibition in Jacksonville. Watson was accused of being sexually inappropriate with women during massage therapy sessions from March 2020 to March 2021 in Texas. In civil lawsuits filed in Texas, the women accused Watson of exposing himself, touching them with his penis or kissing them against their will. A woman claimed that Watson forced her to perform oral sex. Two separate courts in Texas have declined to indict Watson, who has denied any wrongdoing. It recently settled 23 of 24 lawsuits. For now, the suspension ends months of speculation about whether Watson would play in 2022 for the Browns, who outbid several other teams, traded three first-round draft picks to the Texans in March and signed the QB to a five-year, $230 million deal . contract. Watson’s case has sparked strong opinions while raising questions about the league’s handling of player discipline and its shoddy record of supporting women. The Browns believe Watson could make them a Super Bowl contender. Without him, they could just struggle in the AFC North against defending conference champion Cincinnati along with Baltimore and Pittsburgh. The post also means Watson will sit idle longer. One of football’s top QB pros, he sat out last season in Houston after requesting a trade and before the sex allegations surfaced. In her 16-page ruling, Robinson found that the league proved Watson violated three provisions of the conduct policy: sexual assault as defined by the league, posing an actual risk to the safety and welfare of another, and undermining or endangering the integrity of the league. in danger. Robinson also pointed to flaws in the league’s conduct policy, saying it was unfair to “designate conduct as prohibited only after the conduct has been committed, just as it is inherently unfair to change the penalties for such conduct after the fact.” Her punishment was criticized by several organizations, including the National Organization for Women, which called it “unacceptable, offensive and dangerous — but not surprising. The NFL and the multi-billion dollar sports industry have a vested interest in enabling sexual misconduct, assault and violence.” Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents all 24 women suing Watson, and Ashley Solis, the first woman to go public with allegations against Watson, denounced the initial six-game suspension at a press conference in Houston in early August. Watson continued to train while his case reached the championship process. All along, the Browns’ plan was to turn their offense over to veteran Jacoby Brissett, who has made 37 career starts, during Watson’s suspension. But it’s now possible that Cleveland will explore other options at quarterback.

title: “Browns Watson Suspended 11 Games Fined 5 Million After Settlement With Nfl Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-18” author: “Mary Lawson”

If you or someone you know needs support, those in Canada can find province-specific centres, crisis lines and services here. For readers in America, a list of resources and references for survivors and their loved ones can be found here. BEREA, Ohio (AP) – Deshaun Watson has settled with the NFL and will serve an 11-game suspension without pay and a $5 million fine rather than risk missing his first season as Cleveland Browns quarterback after sexual misconduct allegations. Watson has been accused of sexually assaulting and harassing two dozen women while playing for the Houston Texans. The league had tried to suspend him for at least a year for violating its personal conduct policy. As part of the settlement, which concludes the disciplinary process, Watson will also undergo a professional evaluation by behavioral specialists and follow their treatment program, the NFL said in a statement. “I am grateful that the disciplinary process is over and I am very appreciative of the tremendous support I have received throughout my short time with the Browns organization. I apologize once again for the pain this situation has caused. I take responsibility for the decisions I made,” Watson said in a statement released through the team. “My focus going forward is to work to be the best version of myself on and off the field and support my teammates as much as possible I’m away from the team.” Asked later if he thought the settlement was fair, Watson said: “I’ll keep my opinion to myself.” The settlement ends the months-long relationship between Watson’s legal team, the NFL and the NFL Players Association. As part of the settlement, Watson can return for the Browns’ Dec. 4 game in Houston. “As we have conveyed previously, Deshaun and his representatives have complied with the structure of the NFL and the NFLPA pending a final decision, and we have respected the process,” team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said. “Now that a discipline decision has been made we understand that this is a real opportunity to create meaningful change and we are committed to investing in programs in Northeast Ohio that will educate our youth about awareness, understanding and most importantly, prevention of sexual misconduct and the many underlying causes of such BEHAVIOR.” On Aug. 1, the three-time Pro Bowler was suspended six games by Sue L. Robinson, a former federal judge appointed jointly by the league and the union to act as an independent disciplinary official. Robinson found the 26-year-old Watson violated the league’s personal conduct policy after reviewing an investigation into his actions and called his behavior “destructive” and “predatory.” Believing the suspension to be too light, the league appealed and pushed Watson’s case back to Goodell, who had handled all player discipline in the past. The league previously pushed for an indefinite suspension and a hefty fine. Goodell appointed former New Jersey Attorney General Peter S. Harvey to hear the appeal. Harvey is an attorney who was previously involved in the NFL’s decision to suspend Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott for six games during the 2017 season over domestic violence allegations. According to the 2020 collective bargaining agreement, Harvey’s decision would constitute a “full, final and complete resolution of the dispute.” At the owners’ meetings this month, Goodell said the league’s pursuit of an annual ban was justified after its investigation and Robinson’s findings. “It strengthened the evidence,” Goodell said. “There were a lot of violations that were egregious and it was aggressive behavior.” In her conclusion, Robinson cited Watson’s lack of remorse as a factor in her decision. Watson apologized for the first time “to all the women that I’ve affected” before making his Browns debut at an exhibition in Jacksonville. Watson was accused of being sexually inappropriate with women during massage therapy sessions from March 2020 to March 2021 in Texas. In civil lawsuits filed in Texas, the women accused Watson of exposing himself, touching them with his penis or kissing them against their will. A woman claimed that Watson forced her to perform oral sex. Two separate courts in Texas have declined to indict Watson, who has denied any wrongdoing. It recently settled 23 of 24 lawsuits. For now, the suspension ends months of speculation about whether Watson would play in 2022 for the Browns, who outbid several other teams, traded three first-round draft picks to the Texans in March and signed the QB to a five-year, $230 million deal . contract. Watson’s case has sparked strong opinions while raising questions about the league’s handling of player discipline and its shoddy record of supporting women. The Browns believe Watson could make them a Super Bowl contender. Without him, they could just struggle in the AFC North against defending conference champion Cincinnati along with Baltimore and Pittsburgh. The post also means Watson will sit idle longer. One of football’s top QB pros, he sat out last season in Houston after requesting a trade and before the sex allegations surfaced. In her 16-page ruling, Robinson found that the league proved Watson violated three provisions of the conduct policy: sexual assault as defined by the league, posing an actual risk to the safety and welfare of another, and undermining or endangering the integrity of the league. in danger. Robinson also pointed to flaws in the league’s conduct policy, saying it was unfair to “designate conduct as prohibited only after the conduct has been committed, just as it is inherently unfair to change the penalties for such conduct after the fact.” Her punishment was criticized by several organizations, including the National Organization for Women, which called it “unacceptable, offensive and dangerous — but not surprising. The NFL and the multi-billion dollar sports industry have a vested interest in enabling sexual misconduct, assault and violence.” Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents all 24 women suing Watson, and Ashley Solis, the first woman to go public with allegations against Watson, denounced the initial six-game suspension at a press conference in Houston in early August. Watson continued to train while his case reached the championship process. All along, the Browns’ plan was to turn their offense over to veteran Jacoby Brissett, who has made 37 career starts, during Watson’s suspension. But it’s now possible that Cleveland will explore other options at quarterback.

title: “Browns Watson Suspended 11 Games Fined 5 Million After Settlement With Nfl Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-15” author: “Ann Mayes”

If you or someone you know needs support, those in Canada can find province-specific centres, crisis lines and services here. For readers in America, a list of resources and references for survivors and their loved ones can be found here. BEREA, Ohio (AP) – Deshaun Watson has settled with the NFL and will serve an 11-game suspension without pay and a $5 million fine rather than risk missing his first season as Cleveland Browns quarterback after sexual misconduct allegations. Watson has been accused of sexually assaulting and harassing two dozen women while playing for the Houston Texans. The league had tried to suspend him for at least a year for violating its personal conduct policy. As part of the settlement, which concludes the disciplinary process, Watson will also undergo a professional evaluation by behavioral specialists and follow their treatment program, the NFL said in a statement. “I am grateful that the disciplinary process is over and I am very appreciative of the tremendous support I have received throughout my short time with the Browns organization. I apologize once again for the pain this situation has caused. I take responsibility for the decisions I made,” Watson said in a statement released through the team. “My focus going forward is to work to be the best version of myself on and off the field and support my teammates as much as possible I’m away from the team.” Asked later if he thought the settlement was fair, Watson said: “I’ll keep my opinion to myself.” The settlement ends the months-long relationship between Watson’s legal team, the NFL and the NFL Players Association. As part of the settlement, Watson can return for the Browns’ Dec. 4 game in Houston. “As we have conveyed previously, Deshaun and his representatives have complied with the structure of the NFL and the NFLPA pending a final decision, and we have respected the process,” team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said. “Now that a discipline decision has been made we understand that this is a real opportunity to create meaningful change and we are committed to investing in programs in Northeast Ohio that will educate our youth about awareness, understanding and most importantly, prevention of sexual misconduct and the many underlying causes of such BEHAVIOR.” On Aug. 1, the three-time Pro Bowler was suspended six games by Sue L. Robinson, a former federal judge appointed jointly by the league and the union to act as an independent disciplinary official. Robinson found the 26-year-old Watson violated the league’s personal conduct policy after reviewing an investigation into his actions and called his behavior “destructive” and “predatory.” Believing the suspension to be too light, the league appealed and pushed Watson’s case back to Goodell, who had handled all player discipline in the past. The league previously pushed for an indefinite suspension and a hefty fine. Goodell appointed former New Jersey Attorney General Peter S. Harvey to hear the appeal. Harvey is an attorney who was previously involved in the NFL’s decision to suspend Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott for six games during the 2017 season over domestic violence allegations. According to the 2020 collective bargaining agreement, Harvey’s decision would constitute a “full, final and complete resolution of the dispute.” At the owners’ meetings this month, Goodell said the league’s pursuit of an annual ban was justified after its investigation and Robinson’s findings. “It strengthened the evidence,” Goodell said. “There were a lot of violations that were egregious and it was aggressive behavior.” In her conclusion, Robinson cited Watson’s lack of remorse as a factor in her decision. Watson apologized for the first time “to all the women that I’ve affected” before making his Browns debut at an exhibition in Jacksonville. Watson was accused of being sexually inappropriate with women during massage therapy sessions from March 2020 to March 2021 in Texas. In civil lawsuits filed in Texas, the women accused Watson of exposing himself, touching them with his penis or kissing them against their will. A woman claimed that Watson forced her to perform oral sex. Two separate courts in Texas have declined to indict Watson, who has denied any wrongdoing. It recently settled 23 of 24 lawsuits. For now, the suspension ends months of speculation about whether Watson would play in 2022 for the Browns, who outbid several other teams, traded three first-round draft picks to the Texans in March and signed the QB to a five-year, $230 million deal . contract. Watson’s case has sparked strong opinions while raising questions about the league’s handling of player discipline and its shoddy record of supporting women. The Browns believe Watson could make them a Super Bowl contender. Without him, they could just struggle in the AFC North against defending conference champion Cincinnati along with Baltimore and Pittsburgh. The post also means Watson will sit idle longer. One of football’s top QB pros, he sat out last season in Houston after requesting a trade and before the sex allegations surfaced. In her 16-page ruling, Robinson found that the league proved Watson violated three provisions of the conduct policy: sexual assault as defined by the league, posing an actual risk to the safety and welfare of another, and undermining or endangering the integrity of the league. in danger. Robinson also pointed to flaws in the league’s conduct policy, saying it was unfair to “designate conduct as prohibited only after the conduct has been committed, just as it is inherently unfair to change the penalties for such conduct after the fact.” Her punishment was criticized by several organizations, including the National Organization for Women, which called it “unacceptable, offensive and dangerous — but not surprising. The NFL and the multi-billion dollar sports industry have a vested interest in enabling sexual misconduct, assault and violence.” Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents all 24 women suing Watson, and Ashley Solis, the first woman to go public with allegations against Watson, denounced the initial six-game suspension at a press conference in Houston in early August. Watson continued to train while his case reached the championship process. All along, the Browns’ plan was to turn their offense over to veteran Jacoby Brissett, who has made 37 career starts, during Watson’s suspension. But it’s now possible that Cleveland will explore other options at quarterback.

title: “Browns Watson Suspended 11 Games Fined 5 Million After Settlement With Nfl Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-10-30” author: “Celia Page”

If you or someone you know needs support, those in Canada can find province-specific centres, crisis lines and services here. For readers in America, a list of resources and references for survivors and their loved ones can be found here. BEREA, Ohio (AP) – Deshaun Watson has settled with the NFL and will serve an 11-game suspension without pay and a $5 million fine rather than risk missing his first season as Cleveland Browns quarterback after sexual misconduct allegations. Watson has been accused of sexually assaulting and harassing two dozen women while playing for the Houston Texans. The league had tried to suspend him for at least a year for violating its personal conduct policy. As part of the settlement, which concludes the disciplinary process, Watson will also undergo a professional evaluation by behavioral specialists and follow their treatment program, the NFL said in a statement. “I am grateful that the disciplinary process is over and I am very appreciative of the tremendous support I have received throughout my short time with the Browns organization. I apologize once again for the pain this situation has caused. I take responsibility for the decisions I made,” Watson said in a statement released through the team. “My focus going forward is to work to be the best version of myself on and off the field and support my teammates as much as possible I’m away from the team.” Asked later if he thought the settlement was fair, Watson said: “I’ll keep my opinion to myself.” The settlement ends the months-long relationship between Watson’s legal team, the NFL and the NFL Players Association. As part of the settlement, Watson can return for the Browns’ Dec. 4 game in Houston. “As we have conveyed previously, Deshaun and his representatives have complied with the structure of the NFL and the NFLPA pending a final decision, and we have respected the process,” team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said. “Now that a discipline decision has been made we understand that this is a real opportunity to create meaningful change and we are committed to investing in programs in Northeast Ohio that will educate our youth about awareness, understanding and most importantly, prevention of sexual misconduct and the many underlying causes of such BEHAVIOR.” On Aug. 1, the three-time Pro Bowler was suspended six games by Sue L. Robinson, a former federal judge appointed jointly by the league and the union to act as an independent disciplinary official. Robinson found the 26-year-old Watson violated the league’s personal conduct policy after reviewing an investigation into his actions and called his behavior “destructive” and “predatory.” Believing the suspension to be too light, the league appealed and pushed Watson’s case back to Goodell, who had handled all player discipline in the past. The league previously pushed for an indefinite suspension and a hefty fine. Goodell appointed former New Jersey Attorney General Peter S. Harvey to hear the appeal. Harvey is an attorney who was previously involved in the NFL’s decision to suspend Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott for six games during the 2017 season over domestic violence allegations. According to the 2020 collective bargaining agreement, Harvey’s decision would constitute a “full, final and complete resolution of the dispute.” At the owners’ meetings this month, Goodell said the league’s pursuit of an annual ban was justified after its investigation and Robinson’s findings. “It strengthened the evidence,” Goodell said. “There were a lot of violations that were egregious and it was aggressive behavior.” In her conclusion, Robinson cited Watson’s lack of remorse as a factor in her decision. Watson apologized for the first time “to all the women that I’ve affected” before making his Browns debut at an exhibition in Jacksonville. Watson was accused of being sexually inappropriate with women during massage therapy sessions from March 2020 to March 2021 in Texas. In civil lawsuits filed in Texas, the women accused Watson of exposing himself, touching them with his penis or kissing them against their will. A woman claimed that Watson forced her to perform oral sex. Two separate courts in Texas have declined to indict Watson, who has denied any wrongdoing. It recently settled 23 of 24 lawsuits. For now, the suspension ends months of speculation about whether Watson would play in 2022 for the Browns, who outbid several other teams, traded three first-round draft picks to the Texans in March and signed the QB to a five-year, $230 million deal . contract. Watson’s case has sparked strong opinions while raising questions about the league’s handling of player discipline and its shoddy record of supporting women. The Browns believe Watson could make them a Super Bowl contender. Without him, they could just struggle in the AFC North against defending conference champion Cincinnati along with Baltimore and Pittsburgh. The post also means Watson will sit idle longer. One of football’s top QB pros, he sat out last season in Houston after requesting a trade and before the sex allegations surfaced. In her 16-page ruling, Robinson found that the league proved Watson violated three provisions of the conduct policy: sexual assault as defined by the league, posing an actual risk to the safety and welfare of another, and undermining or endangering the integrity of the league. in danger. Robinson also pointed to flaws in the league’s conduct policy, saying it was unfair to “designate conduct as prohibited only after the conduct has been committed, just as it is inherently unfair to change the penalties for such conduct after the fact.” Her punishment was criticized by several organizations, including the National Organization for Women, which called it “unacceptable, offensive and dangerous — but not surprising. The NFL and the multi-billion dollar sports industry have a vested interest in enabling sexual misconduct, assault and violence.” Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents all 24 women suing Watson, and Ashley Solis, the first woman to go public with allegations against Watson, denounced the initial six-game suspension at a press conference in Houston in early August. Watson continued to train while his case reached the championship process. All along, the Browns’ plan was to turn their offense over to veteran Jacoby Brissett, who has made 37 career starts, during Watson’s suspension. But it’s now possible that Cleveland will explore other options at quarterback.