Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will be suspended for 11 games without pay and fined $5 million for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, the league has announced, a harsher punishment than the six-game ban previously recommended.
Watson (26) was accused by 24 women of sexual assault and inappropriate misconduct during massage sessions from March 2020 to March 2021 while a player with the Houston Texans. Although two grand juries in Texas decided not to pursue criminal charges, he has since settled 23 lawsuits.
An independent disciplinary officer found earlier this month that Watson had violated league policy in “various ways”. They decided he should be suspended six games but did not hand him a fine.
The NFL appealed days later and apparently sought a one-year suspension.
In addition to the extended suspension, Watson must undergo mandatory counseling as part of the settlement between the league and the NFL Players Association.
“Deshaun has committed to doing the hard work on himself that is necessary for his return to the NFL,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.
“This settlement requires compliance with a professional evaluation and treatment plan, a significant fine, and a more substantial suspension.”
Watson’s fine and additional contributions provided by the team and the NFL will go towards a fund aimed at preventing sexual misconduct and assault in the United States.
In a statement posted to the Browns Twitter page, Watson said he was “grateful” the disciplinary process was over.
“I apologize once again for any pain this situation has caused,” he said. “I take responsibility for the decisions I made.”
Team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement: “We will continue to support (Watson) as he focuses on earning the trust of our community.”