Editor’s note: This story contains stories of sexual violence. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, contact the National Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or at https://www.rainn.org.
The NFL is pushing for the “indefinite removal” of Deshon Watson, according to Wall Street Journalwhich means that Browns’ quarterback could face a significant financial blow if stopped.
Discussions reportedly include the possibility of Watson’s contract with Cleveland being postponed by one year if suspended for the entire season. Shortly after the Harris County Grand Jury returned nine “no” bills on nine criminal complaints against the quarterback, Cleveland traded for Watson and signed a five-year, $ 230 million contract with him. A clause in the contract requires Watson to lose just $ 55,556 for every game he is penalized for this season.
According to WSJ, if the delay in his contract enters into force, the first year of his transaction will not be completely “deleted”. It is reported that 2023 will mark the beginning of his five years, which will delay the moment when Watson can theoretically reach a free agency, if and when he will be reinstated, depending on the final sentence.
His hearing with Sue L. Robinson, the disciplinary officer appointed by the NFL and the Players’ Association, is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Shefter. The NFL Players’ Association will “mobilize with aggressive defense on behalf of Watson,” which will reportedly include comparisons to league cases involving three prominent team owners – Daniel Snyder of the commanders, Robert Kraft of the Patriots and Jerry Jones. from the Cowboys.
As for the league, the indefinite suspension “will give the NFL the flexibility to keep it out longer based on various factors, including whether more cases occur,” according to WSJ. NFL officials reportedly targeted five specific women, “whose cases they believe include the strongest evidence.” The league reportedly insisted that the “indefinite suspension” be at least a year.
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The report reflects what The Washington Post recently reported. This was said by a source close to Watson’s country IN Washington Post that the NFL will “probably” go with a one-season suspension. However, a different source close to the league side said he was “careful” about the specific length of the suspension, but the decision would be “significant”.
The league and the NFLPA negotiated an agreement, but reportedly there were not many. It is reported that the door is still open for reconsideration of these conversations during the hearing process. According to numerous reports, many expect the result to be achieved in the week of July 4th.
Watson has faced two dozen civil cases, each detailing sexual harassment and sexual assault during massage sessions. The bills range from the claim that Watson refuses to cover his genitals to the quarterback, who “touches [a plaintiff] with his penis and trying to force her to have oral sex with him. ” The latest details show that Watson masturbated and ejaculated on the plaintiff without her consent. It was expected that there could be more on the horizon.
The quarterback denied all charges against him, and two major Texas juries refused to prosecute him. Watson agreed to settle 20 of the 24 civil cases. Tony Busby, the plaintiffs’ lawyer, announced the news on Tuesday, saying the terms and amounts agreed were confidential and “we will not comment further on the agreements or these cases.”
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