The league had sought to suspend Watson for at least a year for violating its personal conduct policy. He was accused of sexually harassing and coercing women during massage therapy sessions while with the Houston Texans. Watson signed a $230 million, fully guaranteed contract after being traded to the Browns in March. Because the team structured Watson’s deal to earn $1.035 million in his first season, he will forfeit $632,500 in salary during the suspension. As part of the settlement, Watson can return for the Browns’ game at Houston on Dec. 4. “My whole life I’ve just got to be able to move forward and that’s the plan,” Watson said shortly after the settlement was made public. “I need to be able to move forward with my career, move forward with my family, my personal life and everything.” The settlement ends months of speculation and led to a ruling by former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey, who was appointed by Commissioner Roger Goodell after the league appealed a six-game suspension handed down by disciplinary official Sue L. Robinson. As part of the settlement between the league and the NFL Players Association, Watson will have to be evaluated by behavioral specialists and follow their treatment plan. Watson apologized last week before the Browns’ preseason opener for the first time since the allegations surfaced. He tried to offer more repentance on Thursday, insisting he had never been inappropriate with women. “I have always maintained my innocence and I have always said that I have never attacked anyone or disrespected anyone and I continue to maintain that,” he said. “But at the same time, I have to keep moving forward with my life and my career. “I will continue to maintain my innocence and continue to press forward, and I have always maintained that I do not disrespect or sexually impose on anyone.” Along with the $5 million fine, the league and the Browns are donating $1 million each to a fund that will support nonprofit organizations across the country to educate youth about “healthy relationships, promote education and prevention of sexual misconduct and assault, survivor support and related causes’. Watson can practice until the suspension begins Aug. 30, but coach Kevin Stefanski said he won’t play in any preseason games. He won’t be allowed to return to team facilities until Oct. 10, about halfway through the suspension. Watson can resume training on November 18 and be rehabilitated two weeks later. Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents all 24 women who sued Watson, was critical of the NFL’s handling of the case and the settlement. “By handling this matter in the manner he has, Roger Goodell has proven one of two things: Either his recent rhetoric has been completely off base, or his bark is far worse than his bite,” Buzbee said in a statement. “My belief is that he is nothing more than a paper tiger. “The message today to all victims is clear, if you believe you have been sexually assaulted by a powerful person, keep your mouth shut and walk away. The NFL has certainly proven that its ownership and organization don’t care.” Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, who have been widely criticized for trading for Watson, stood by the QB. They said they expect him to learn and grow from the experience. “Since DeSawn walked into our building in April, he’s done everything we’ve asked of him and more,” Jimmy Haslam said at a news conference with his wife and Browns general manager Andrew Berry. “And he’s been the person, the leader that we expect him to be and I think he understands where he’s at in his life, it’s a pivotal point and we as an organization will do everything we can to help him not only be the best football player he can be be, but more importantly be the best person you can be.” Haslam was asked if he still feels comfortable with Watson being on Cleveland’s roster. “Absolutely,” he said. “100%” Dee Haslam was pressed on whether she believes Watson is innocent. “We respect his opinion. I think in counseling, Deshaun is going to learn a lot more about himself,” he said. On August 1, Watson was suspended six games by Robinson, a former federal judge appointed jointly by the league and the union to act as an independent disciplinary officer. As part of her ruling, she called his behavior “outstanding” and “predatory”. Watson would not comment directly on Robinson’s claims. “I know who I am,” he said. “I know what type of person I am. I know the character of the person I grew up with and have always been. That’s the biggest thing for me is to continue to show who Deshaun Watson really is, and people who meet me and are around me, they’re going to know who I really am.” 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. 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 was asked what he was apologizing for if he is innocent. “For everyone affected by this situation,” he said. “There were a lot of people who were triggered.” Watson was accused of being sexually inappropriate with the women from March 2020 to March 2021. In the civil lawsuits filed in Texas, the women accused him 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 declined to indict Watson, who also settled 23 of the 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 and traded three first-round draft picks to the Texans. 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. All along, the Browns’ plan has been to turn the offense over to veteran Jacoby Brissett, who has made 37 career starts. But it’s now possible that Cleveland will explore other options at quarterback. 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.
AP Pro Football writer Rob Maaddi contributed to this report.
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title: “Browns Deshaun Watson Suspended 11 Games Fined 5 Million Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-03” author: “Thomas Delao”
The league had sought to suspend Watson for at least a year for violating its personal conduct policy. He was accused of sexually harassing and coercing women during massage therapy sessions while with the Houston Texans. Watson signed a $230 million, fully guaranteed contract after being traded to the Browns in March. Because the team structured Watson’s deal to earn $1.035 million in his first season, he will forfeit $632,500 in salary during the suspension. As part of the settlement, Watson can return for the Browns’ game at Houston on Dec. 4. “My whole life I’ve just got to be able to move forward and that’s the plan,” Watson said shortly after the settlement was made public. “I need to be able to move forward with my career, move forward with my family, my personal life and everything.” The settlement ends months of speculation and led to a ruling by former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey, who was appointed by Commissioner Roger Goodell after the league appealed a six-game suspension handed down by disciplinary official Sue L. Robinson. As part of the settlement between the league and the NFL Players Association, Watson will have to be evaluated by behavioral specialists and follow their treatment plan. Watson apologized last week before the Browns’ preseason opener for the first time since the allegations surfaced. He tried to offer more repentance on Thursday, insisting he had never been inappropriate with women. “I have always maintained my innocence and I have always said that I have never attacked anyone or disrespected anyone and I continue to maintain that,” he said. “But at the same time, I have to keep moving forward with my life and my career. “I will continue to maintain my innocence and continue to press forward, and I have always maintained that I do not disrespect or sexually impose on anyone.” Along with the $5 million fine, the league and the Browns are donating $1 million each to a fund that will support nonprofit organizations across the country to educate youth about “healthy relationships, promote education and prevention of sexual misconduct and assault, survivor support and related causes’. Watson can practice until the suspension begins Aug. 30, but coach Kevin Stefanski said he won’t play in any preseason games. He won’t be allowed to return to team facilities until Oct. 10, about halfway through the suspension. Watson can resume training on November 18 and be rehabilitated two weeks later. Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents all 24 women who sued Watson, was critical of the NFL’s handling of the case and the settlement. “By handling this matter in the manner he has, Roger Goodell has proven one of two things: Either his recent rhetoric has been completely off base, or his bark is far worse than his bite,” Buzbee said in a statement. “My belief is that he is nothing more than a paper tiger. “The message today to all victims is clear, if you believe you have been sexually assaulted by a powerful person, keep your mouth shut and walk away. The NFL has certainly proven that its ownership and organization don’t care.” Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, who have been widely criticized for trading for Watson, stood by the QB. They said they expect him to learn and grow from the experience. “Since DeSawn walked into our building in April, he’s done everything we’ve asked of him and more,” Jimmy Haslam said at a news conference with his wife and Browns general manager Andrew Berry. “And he’s been the person, the leader that we expect him to be and I think he understands where he’s at in his life, it’s a pivotal point and we as an organization will do everything we can to help him not only be the best football player he can be be, but more importantly be the best person you can be.” Haslam was asked if he still feels comfortable with Watson being on Cleveland’s roster. “Absolutely,” he said. “100%” Dee Haslam was pressed on whether she believes Watson is innocent. “We respect his opinion. I think in counseling, Deshaun is going to learn a lot more about himself,” he said. On August 1, Watson was suspended six games by Robinson, a former federal judge appointed jointly by the league and the union to act as an independent disciplinary officer. As part of her ruling, she called his behavior “outstanding” and “predatory”. Watson would not comment directly on Robinson’s claims. “I know who I am,” he said. “I know what type of person I am. I know the character of the person I grew up with and have always been. That’s the biggest thing for me is to continue to show who Deshaun Watson really is, and people who meet me and are around me, they’re going to know who I really am.” 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. 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 was asked what he was apologizing for if he is innocent. “For everyone affected by this situation,” he said. “There were a lot of people who were triggered.” Watson was accused of being sexually inappropriate with the women from March 2020 to March 2021. In the civil lawsuits filed in Texas, the women accused him 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 declined to indict Watson, who also settled 23 of the 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 and traded three first-round draft picks to the Texans. 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. All along, the Browns’ plan has been to turn the offense over to veteran Jacoby Brissett, who has made 37 career starts. But it’s now possible that Cleveland will explore other options at quarterback. 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.
AP Pro Football writer Rob Maaddi contributed to this report.
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title: “Browns Deshaun Watson Suspended 11 Games Fined 5 Million Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-07” author: “Sharon Stevens”
The league had sought to suspend Watson for at least a year for violating its personal conduct policy. He was accused of sexually harassing and coercing women during massage therapy sessions while with the Houston Texans. Watson signed a $230 million, fully guaranteed contract after being traded to the Browns in March. Because the team structured Watson’s deal to earn $1.035 million in his first season, he will forfeit $632,500 in salary during the suspension. As part of the settlement, Watson can return for the Browns’ game at Houston on Dec. 4. “My whole life I’ve just got to be able to move forward and that’s the plan,” Watson said shortly after the settlement was made public. “I need to be able to move forward with my career, move forward with my family, my personal life and everything.” The settlement ends months of speculation and led to a ruling by former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey, who was appointed by Commissioner Roger Goodell after the league appealed a six-game suspension handed down by disciplinary official Sue L. Robinson. As part of the settlement between the league and the NFL Players Association, Watson will have to be evaluated by behavioral specialists and follow their treatment plan. Watson apologized last week before the Browns’ preseason opener for the first time since the allegations surfaced. He tried to offer more repentance on Thursday, insisting he had never been inappropriate with women. “I have always maintained my innocence and I have always said that I have never attacked anyone or disrespected anyone and I continue to maintain that,” he said. “But at the same time, I have to keep moving forward with my life and my career. “I will continue to maintain my innocence and continue to press forward, and I have always maintained that I do not disrespect or sexually impose on anyone.” Along with the $5 million fine, the league and the Browns are donating $1 million each to a fund that will support nonprofit organizations across the country to educate youth about “healthy relationships, promote education and prevention of sexual misconduct and assault, survivor support and related causes’. Watson can practice until the suspension begins Aug. 30, but coach Kevin Stefanski said he won’t play in any preseason games. He won’t be allowed to return to team facilities until Oct. 10, about halfway through the suspension. Watson can resume training on November 18 and be rehabilitated two weeks later. Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents all 24 women who sued Watson, was critical of the NFL’s handling of the case and the settlement. “By handling this matter in the manner he has, Roger Goodell has proven one of two things: Either his recent rhetoric has been completely off base, or his bark is far worse than his bite,” Buzbee said in a statement. “My belief is that he is nothing more than a paper tiger. “The message today to all victims is clear, if you believe you have been sexually assaulted by a powerful person, keep your mouth shut and walk away. The NFL has certainly proven that its ownership and organization don’t care.” Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, who have been widely criticized for trading for Watson, stood by the QB. They said they expect him to learn and grow from the experience. “Since DeSawn walked into our building in April, he’s done everything we’ve asked of him and more,” Jimmy Haslam said at a news conference with his wife and Browns general manager Andrew Berry. “And he’s been the person, the leader that we expect him to be and I think he understands where he’s at in his life, it’s a pivotal point and we as an organization will do everything we can to help him not only be the best football player he can be be, but more importantly be the best person you can be.” Haslam was asked if he still feels comfortable with Watson being on Cleveland’s roster. “Absolutely,” he said. “100%” Dee Haslam was pressed on whether she believes Watson is innocent. “We respect his opinion. I think in counseling, Deshaun is going to learn a lot more about himself,” he said. On August 1, Watson was suspended six games by Robinson, a former federal judge appointed jointly by the league and the union to act as an independent disciplinary officer. As part of her ruling, she called his behavior “outstanding” and “predatory”. Watson would not comment directly on Robinson’s claims. “I know who I am,” he said. “I know what type of person I am. I know the character of the person I grew up with and have always been. That’s the biggest thing for me is to continue to show who Deshaun Watson really is, and people who meet me and are around me, they’re going to know who I really am.” 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. 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 was asked what he was apologizing for if he is innocent. “For everyone affected by this situation,” he said. “There were a lot of people who were triggered.” Watson was accused of being sexually inappropriate with the women from March 2020 to March 2021. In the civil lawsuits filed in Texas, the women accused him 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 declined to indict Watson, who also settled 23 of the 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 and traded three first-round draft picks to the Texans. 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. All along, the Browns’ plan has been to turn the offense over to veteran Jacoby Brissett, who has made 37 career starts. But it’s now possible that Cleveland will explore other options at quarterback. 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.
AP Pro Football writer Rob Maaddi contributed to this report.
More AP NFL: and
title: “Browns Deshaun Watson Suspended 11 Games Fined 5 Million Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-01” author: “Randy Ormiston”
The league had sought to suspend Watson for at least a year for violating its personal conduct policy. He was accused of sexually harassing and coercing women during massage therapy sessions while with the Houston Texans. Watson signed a $230 million, fully guaranteed contract after being traded to the Browns in March. Because the team structured Watson’s deal to earn $1.035 million in his first season, he will forfeit $632,500 in salary during the suspension. As part of the settlement, Watson can return for the Browns’ game at Houston on Dec. 4. “My whole life I’ve just got to be able to move forward and that’s the plan,” Watson said shortly after the settlement was made public. “I need to be able to move forward with my career, move forward with my family, my personal life and everything.” The settlement ends months of speculation and led to a ruling by former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey, who was appointed by Commissioner Roger Goodell after the league appealed a six-game suspension handed down by disciplinary official Sue L. Robinson. As part of the settlement between the league and the NFL Players Association, Watson will have to be evaluated by behavioral specialists and follow their treatment plan. Watson apologized last week before the Browns’ preseason opener for the first time since the allegations surfaced. He tried to offer more repentance on Thursday, insisting he had never been inappropriate with women. “I have always maintained my innocence and I have always said that I have never attacked anyone or disrespected anyone and I continue to maintain that,” he said. “But at the same time, I have to keep moving forward with my life and my career. “I will continue to maintain my innocence and continue to press forward, and I have always maintained that I do not disrespect or sexually impose on anyone.” Along with the $5 million fine, the league and the Browns are donating $1 million each to a fund that will support nonprofit organizations across the country to educate youth about “healthy relationships, promote education and prevention of sexual misconduct and assault, survivor support and related causes’. Watson can practice until the suspension begins Aug. 30, but coach Kevin Stefanski said he won’t play in any preseason games. He won’t be allowed to return to team facilities until Oct. 10, about halfway through the suspension. Watson can resume training on November 18 and be rehabilitated two weeks later. Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents all 24 women who sued Watson, was critical of the NFL’s handling of the case and the settlement. “By handling this matter in the manner he has, Roger Goodell has proven one of two things: Either his recent rhetoric has been completely off base, or his bark is far worse than his bite,” Buzbee said in a statement. “My belief is that he is nothing more than a paper tiger. “The message today to all victims is clear, if you believe you have been sexually assaulted by a powerful person, keep your mouth shut and walk away. The NFL has certainly proven that its ownership and organization don’t care.” Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, who have been widely criticized for trading for Watson, stood by the QB. They said they expect him to learn and grow from the experience. “Since DeSawn walked into our building in April, he’s done everything we’ve asked of him and more,” Jimmy Haslam said at a news conference with his wife and Browns general manager Andrew Berry. “And he’s been the person, the leader that we expect him to be and I think he understands where he’s at in his life, it’s a pivotal point and we as an organization will do everything we can to help him not only be the best football player he can be be, but more importantly be the best person you can be.” Haslam was asked if he still feels comfortable with Watson being on Cleveland’s roster. “Absolutely,” he said. “100%” Dee Haslam was pressed on whether she believes Watson is innocent. “We respect his opinion. I think in counseling, Deshaun is going to learn a lot more about himself,” he said. On August 1, Watson was suspended six games by Robinson, a former federal judge appointed jointly by the league and the union to act as an independent disciplinary officer. As part of her ruling, she called his behavior “outstanding” and “predatory”. Watson would not comment directly on Robinson’s claims. “I know who I am,” he said. “I know what type of person I am. I know the character of the person I grew up with and have always been. That’s the biggest thing for me is to continue to show who Deshaun Watson really is, and people who meet me and are around me, they’re going to know who I really am.” 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. 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 was asked what he was apologizing for if he is innocent. “For everyone affected by this situation,” he said. “There were a lot of people who were triggered.” Watson was accused of being sexually inappropriate with the women from March 2020 to March 2021. In the civil lawsuits filed in Texas, the women accused him 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 declined to indict Watson, who also settled 23 of the 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 and traded three first-round draft picks to the Texans. 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. All along, the Browns’ plan has been to turn the offense over to veteran Jacoby Brissett, who has made 37 career starts. But it’s now possible that Cleveland will explore other options at quarterback. 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.
AP Pro Football writer Rob Maaddi contributed to this report.
More AP NFL: and
