Tony Buzbee: Deshaun Watson's 6-Game Suspension 'Isn't Even a Slap on the Wrist'
Aug 4, 2022
Attorney Tony Buzbee speaks to reporters at a news conference on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. Buzbee is representing the family of Axel Acosta Avila who was killed at a concert in Houston. (AP Photo/Robert Bumsted)
Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing the women who made sexual assault and misconduct allegations against Deshaun Watson, criticized the six-game suspension handed down to the Cleveland Browns quarterback.
"Six games isn't even a slap on the wrist," Buzbee told reporters at a press conference Thursday. "It's a kiss on the cheek."
The six-game ban was handed down by Sue L. Robinson, the NFL and NFLPA's jointly appointed independent disciplinary officer who oversaw the case. Although the ruling didn't come from the NFL, the league received criticism for how it approached the investigation into whether Watson violated its personal conduct policy.
Twenty-four women filed civil lawsuits accusing Watson of sexual assault or misconduct during massage therapy sessions. The NFL interviewed 10 of the initial 22 women, and CBS Sports HQ's Josina Anderson reported only four cases were presented by the league during Watson's hearing.
"I have no explanation why the NFL only spoke to 10 of my clients and only presented four of those 10," Buzbee said Thursday. "It really makes you want to scratch your head and wonder what the hell is going on."
He went on to further criticize the process:
Tony Buzbee on NFL disciplinary process said 10 of his clients met with NFL investigators: 'We never expected much from their flawed process.'
Attorney Tony Buzbee, representing alleged victims in Watson case, said NFL "bungled" investigation. Called league's discipline policies "jumbled mess" and "inconsistently dismal."
Buzbee said the first question asked to one of the clients interviewed by NFL investigators was about what that massage therapist was wearing during her encounter with Watson.
The NFL has filed an appeal of Watson's suspension, with ESPN's Jake Trotter reporting the league is looking to suspend the three-time Pro Bowler for a minimum of one year. According to ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio, neither NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell nor anybody else from the league office will handle the appeal.
Buzbee remains skeptical regarding the matter:
Buzbee: "We're here today with a message to the NFL. That message is simple and hopefully clear: every victim of sexual assault is watching Roger Goodell and the NFL right now. And this idea that Mr. Goodell is going to hand it off to someone independent, we don't buy it."
Tony Buzbee, attorney for dozens of Deshaun Watson's accusers, held press conference about the discipline. Buzbee said every victim of sexual assault is watching Roger Goodell and the NFL right now. "Mr. Goodell, what will you do? It's never too late to do the right thing."
Buzbee also addressed the impact the suspension and the absence of any criminal charges against Watson—two grand juries declined to indict—has had on his clients:
Tony Buzbee said one of his clients said #Browns Deshaun Watson's 6-game suspension 'made me feel defeated.' Another: 'I feel like we're invisible'
Tony Buzbee said the elected DA (Kim Ogg) 'failed these women' with no indictments handed down. Two Texas grand juries declined to charge Deshaun Watson with any crimes. He has maintained his innocence throughout process while being represented by Rusty Hardin
He provided an update on the civil suits brought forward, confirming that all but one of the 24 suits have been settled and will be dismissed in due time.
Having already resolved 30 claims against the Houston Texans tied to the allegations against Watson, Buzbee added he doesn't intend to pursue further action against the team.
The Texans' role in Watson's alleged misconduct came under scrutiny following a report from The New York Times' Jenny Vrentas.
Per Vrentas, Watson said in a deposition he had been supplied with a non-disclosure agreement from Texans' head of security, Brent Naccara. He subsequently took the NDA to massage appointments. The Texans also supplied Watson with membership to a Houston-area hotel and fitness club where he had some appointments.
Roger Goodell Won't Directly Oversee NFL's Appeal of Deshaun Watson Ban
Aug 4, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 14: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks to the media during the Super Bowl LVI head coach and MVP press conference at Los Angeles Convention Center on February 14, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appointed Peter C. Harvey, former New Jersey attorney general, to hear the appeal of Deshaun Watson's six-game suspension.
NFL statement on Peter C. Harvey being tabbed to hear Deshaun Watson’s appeal. pic.twitter.com/qT0aty6Yq8
ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio first reported Goodell wouldn't oversee the appeal.
The collective bargaining agreement entitles Goodell or a person he selects to evaluate further action after an independent disciplinary officer deems a suspension to be worthy for violations of the personal conduct policy. The MMQB's Albert Breer speculated on why the commissioner isn't exercising that right in this case:
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will pick someone outside the league office to hear the Deshaun Watson appeal, as @ProFootballTalk said. Why? My opinion …
1) Gives the NFL a better shot at avoiding court.
2) Better maintains integrity of the process they negotiated with the PA.
Sue L. Robinson, the disciplinary officer jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA, handed down a six-game ban for the Cleveland Browns quarterback. Her ruling was met with criticism from some who argued the punishment was too light given the volume of allegations.
Watson has settled 20 and agreed to settle three more of the 24 civil lawsuits filed against him by women accusing him of sexual assault or misconduct during massage therapy sessions. The Houston Texans also settled with 30 women who filed lawsuits or planned to file suits with allegations that the team enabled Watson's behavior.
The New York Times' Jenny Vrentas found that Watson booked massage appointments with at least 66 different women during the period between fall 2019 and spring 2021.
Vrentas also reported that during a deposition, Watson said he was given a non-disclosure agreement by the Texans' head of security, Brent Naccara, to take to massage appointments. The team also provided Watson with a membership to a Houston hotel and fitness club where he held some of his massage appointments.
Robinson's conclusion that Watson committed "non-violent" sexual misconduct was one of the bigger points of contention.
"It is undisputed that Mr. Watson's conduct does not fall into the category of violent conduct that would require the minimum six-game suspension," Robinson wrote in her report.
That raised concerns Robinson may have minimized the gravity of the allegations against Watson.
The NFL filed its appeal of Watson's suspension Wednesday. ESPN's Jake Trotter and CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported the league is looking to levy an indefinite ban of at least one year on the three-time Pro Bowler.
Dan Graziano of ESPN reported Sunday that the league was prepared to settle for a 12-game suspension and a "heavy fine" of around $8 million.
CBS Sports HQ's Josina Anderson reported Thursday that Watson's representatives and the NFL Players Association haven't finalized their next step following the NFL's appeal. They could file suit in federal court.
After Robinson issued her ruling, Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam issued a statement saying Watson was "remorseful that this situation has caused much heartache to many."
However, ESPN's Dianna Russini reported Wednesday that Watson's representatives were "unhappy" with the initial six-game suspension and "continue to share that Watson did not do anything wrong."
NFL Appeals Decision Browns' Deshaun Watson Should Be Suspended for 6 Games
Aug 3, 2022
BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill during Cleveland Browns training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on July 30, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The NFL is appealing the six-game suspension levied against Deshaun Watson following an investigation and disciplinary hearing on allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.
NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy released a statement Wednesday saying the league "notified the NFLPA that it will appeal [NFL disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson's] disciplinary decision and filed its brief this afternoon":
According to Judy Battista of NFL.com, the NFL is seeking a full-year suspension. Jeff Darlington of ESPN added that the league is also seeking to include a fine:
I'm told NFL is appealing for an indefinite suspension that would be a minimum of one year. But perhaps more significant given the structure of Watson's contract, source tells me the NFL's appeal will also include a monetary fine. Money is now a significant part of the equation.
Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports provided additional details:
#NFL’s appeal of Deshaun Watson sanctions from multiple sources:
1 year indefinite suspension + treatment. No $ fine.
Or
IF suspension is less than 1 year, it will carry a significant $ fine + treatment. Unanswered questions: How many games & what is the corresponding fine?
Sue Robinson, the independent disciplinary officer appointed by the NFL and NFLPA who oversaw the case, ruled Watson violated the NFL's personal-conduct policy. Robinson noted that the six-game suspension without pay was based on the league's own precedent in similar cases. Her decision was met with criticism, however.
In her report, Robinson wrote how "Mr. Watson's pattern of conduct is more egregious than any before reviewed by the NFL." She also mandated that the three-time Pro Bowler only receive massages from team-approved therapists moving forward and "have no adverse involvement with law enforcement" or violate the league's personal conduct policy again.
Here’s the conclusion of Judge Sue L. Robinson’s decision on Deshaun Watson, saying in part the NFL “is attempting to impose a more dramatic shift in its culture without the benefit of fair notice to — and consistency of consequence for — those in the NFL subject to the Policy.” pic.twitter.com/IwiCXaheHO
Some found Watson's suspension to be too lenient, especially based on Robinson's own conclusions. Many of those same voices thought describing the allegations against Watson as "non-violent sexual conduct" downplayed the gravity of the situation.
Twenty-two women initially came forward with allegations in 2021, and a total of 25 women filed civil cases against Watson accusing him of sexual assault or misconduct during massage therapy sessions. One of those cases was dropped early in the process and another 20 were settled. On Monday, plaintiffs' attorney Tony Buzbee announced that Watson had agreed to settle three of the remaining four cases.
Additionally, 30 women agreed to settle claims they made or intended to make against the Houston Texans in mid-July.
I'm sure the women feel attacked, whether they were hit or beat, it's still violent to them.
So it appears that Judge Robinson agrees with the NFL on predatory and egregious behavior that was sexual assault. But since it was, in her view, "non-violent," there's no precedent for this kind of punishment. So he used non-violent ways to do predatory sexual assault? Odd.
The Cleveland Rape Crises Center said in a statement the ban "dangerously mirrors the flaws in our criminal justice systems and sends a grave message to our communities."
The Cleveland Rape Crises Center sent the following statement to ESPN, saying it is "disappointed" with Sue L. Robinson's ruling on Deshaun Watson: pic.twitter.com/5RYtWJXLp1
Under the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement, the NFL commissioner no longer has the authority to unilaterally issue suspensions for violations of the personal-conduct policy.
The commissioner does have a lot of latitude when the disciplinary officer deems a suspension to be worthy. In this case, the door remained open for the NFL to appeal and allow commissioner Roger Goodell to determine whether he will hear the appeal or appoint a designee to hear it. Goodell or his designee will then make a decision whether to uphold, extend or reduce the six-game suspension.
One day before Watson's suspension was announced, the NFL Players Association issued a statement saying it planned to "stand by [Robinson's] ruling and we call on the NFL to do the same":
Our joint statement with Deshaun Watson on the impending arbitration decision: pic.twitter.com/9ObLnHiX6J
At the very least, an appeal from the NFL looked likely.
ESPN's Dan Graziano reported July 6 on Keyshawn, JWill & Max the league was looking to suspend Watson indefinitely for a minimum of one season. League officials were willing to compromise by allowing him to apply for reinstatement after 12 games, per Graziano.
Despite the specter of the civil lawsuits continuing to hang around the quarterback, the Browns placed a significant bet on Watson.
They first sent three first-round picks, a 2023 third-rounder and a 2024 fourth-rounder to the Texans to acquire him. Then they signed him to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed extension.
Watson only has a base salary of $690,000 and a salary-cap hit of $9.7 million for the 2022 season, which some saw as a way for Cleveland to soften the financial blow from any suspension.
The Browns kick off the regular season Sept. 11 against the Carolina Panthers. Under Watson's original six-game suspension, he'd be eligible to return in Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Browns' Jacoby Brissett Will Be 'Ready to Go' After Deshaun Watson Suspension
Aug 2, 2022
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 16: Jacoby Brissett #7 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during the Cleveland Browns mandatory minicamp at FirstEnergy Stadium on June 16, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
Cleveland Browns backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett told reporters that he's "ready to go" following starting signal-caller Deshaun Watson's six-game suspension for violating the league's personal misconduct policy after 25 women filed lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault or misconduct during massage therapy sessions.
"It's been my situation throughout my career," Brissett said Tuesday, per ESPN's Jake Trotter. "Nothing that I'm unfamiliar with. Always been ready to go, whenever my number's called, and that's the case at this point now."
Former federal judge Sue L. Robinson served as an independent disciplinary officer and rendered the suspension decision on Watson.
The NFL and NFLPA both have the right to appeal the decision. The league said it is reviewing the matter, while the NFLPA previously stated that it would "stand by" Robinson's decision.
If the suspension remains at six games, Brissett will be QB 1 through Week 6, starting with a matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 11. Watson would then be eligible to return against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 23.
Brissett, who's entering his seventh NFL season, has taken over as a team's starter under unique circumstances in the past.
The 29-year-old started a pair of games for the New England Patriots in 2016 after starter Tom Brady served a four-game suspension as a result of the Deflategate scandal. Jimmy Garoppolo first started two matchups for the Pats but suffered a sprained AC joint, leading to Brissett taking over.
In 2017, the Indianapolis Colts traded for Brissett with starter Andrew Luck sidelined with a shoulder injury. Brissett started 15 of 16 games as Luck ended up missing the entire season.
Two years later, Brissett became the Colts' starter after Luck's sudden retirement in late August. For the second time in three years, he became the Colts' QB1 for the entire season.
Brissett then took a backseat to Philip Rivers in 2020 before moving on to the Miami Dolphins to become Tua Tagovailoa's backup. He started five games last year after Tagovailoa suffered a fractured finger.
For his career, Brissett has completed 60.2 percent of his passes for 36 touchdowns (17 interceptions) and 6.4 yards per attempt. He's also rushed for 653 yards and 13 more scores.
Home games against the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers follow the Week 1 road tilt at Carolina. The Browns will then visit the Atlanta Falcons before returning home to face the Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots to round out the first six games on the schedule.
ESPN: Browns' Deshaun Watson to Sue NFL If League Appeals 6-Game Suspension
Aug 2, 2022
BEREA, OH - JULY 27: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during Cleveland Browns training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on July 27, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The NFL could appeal the six-game suspension levied against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Wastson, but it might open the league up to legal trouble.
ESPN's Jeff Darlington provided a breakdown Tuesday on Get Up (2:00 mark in video):
"I'm told if the NFL does appeal this, that Deshaun Watson's side will be filing suit against them to question the authority of [commissioner Roger] Goodell to do so," Darlington reported.
As Darlington noted, this could delay the suspension through injunctions.
The initial ruling of a six-game suspension with no fine was made by independent disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson, although the NFL indicated it might not be finished with the case.
"Pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the NFL or the NFLPA on behalf of Watson may appeal the decision within three days," the league said in a statement. "In light of her findings, the league is reviewing Judge Robinson's imposition of a six-game suspension and will make a determination on next steps."
The NFLPA already announced it would not appeal any decision from Robinson.
ESPN's Dan Graziano previously reported the lowest the NFL was willing to accept in any settlement agreement with Watson was a 12-game suspension with a heavy fine.
Watson's side was hoping for much less, with CBS Sport's Josina Anderson reporting his legal team was "displeased" with the ruling of six-game suspension.
Tom Brady notably filed a federal lawsuit against the league after his "deflategate" suspension, which was initially overturned before losing on appeal. The suspension was delayed from the 2015 season to 2016, when he eventually sat out four games.
Watson may actually prefer not to delay the suspension further, however, as he is set to lose $333,333 from his $1 million base salary in 2022, per ESPN's Field Yates. His base salary grows to $46 million in 2023, which means the same suspension would cost him over $15 million.
Browns 'Will Continue to Support' Deshaun Watson After Suspension, per Haslams
Aug 1, 2022
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 16: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during the Cleveland Browns mandatory minicamp at FirstEnergy Stadium on June 16, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
In the wake of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson receiving a six-game suspension following allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam released a statement on Monday addressing the decision.
The Haslams acknowledged Watson's cooperation with the NFL investigation and said they "will continue to support" the 26-year-old going forward.
The Haslams' statement was not well-received online:
The last time we heard from Deshaun Watson was on June 14 when he said: "Like I said, I never assaulted anyone. I never harassed anyone. I never disrespected anyone. I never forced anyone to do anything."
I’m troubled by a lot of things in this statement but mostly “Deshaun is remorseful” because to my knowledge he has never admitted he did anything wrong. https://t.co/8HFJJcjqt8
Former U.S. district judge Sue L. Robinson made the decision to suspend Watson for six games for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. He will not be fined, and the suspension will not have a significant impact on him financially.
The Browns signed Watson to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million extension when they acquired him from the Houston Texans, but he's only making $1.035 million in 2022. Per Mark Maske of the Washington Post, Watson will lose $345,000 of his salary this year.
Since March 2021, a total of 25 lawsuits were filed against Watson by women who were hired to perform massages while he played for the Texans. The women accused Watson of sexual assault or misconduct, and though he denied the allegations, he has reached settlements in 23 of the cases.
On Monday, attorney Tony Buzbee told ESPN's John Barr that three of the remaining four civil lawsuits were settled. One woman dropped her suit due to privacy concerns.
In explaining her decision for the six-game suspension, Robinson said Watson's "pattern of behavior was egregious" but pointed out that his behavior was "nonviolent sexual conduct." She added that Watson should only pursue massages from Browns personnel.
The NFL and NFLPA have three days to decide if they want to appeal the ruling. The league said it is reviewing the decision to determine "next steps." The players association said Sunday that it would not appeal the decision and asked the league to do the same.
Report: Deshaun Watson's Camp 'Displeased' with Suspension Ruling, Believe in 0 Games
Aug 1, 2022
BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during Cleveland Browns training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on July 30, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Representatives for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson are "displeased" with Monday's announcement of a six-game suspension levied by former judge Sue Robinson and believe there should be no suspension, per Josina Anderson of CBS Sports.
The NFL sought an indefinite suspension of no shorter than one year, according to Andrew Beaton of the Wall Street Journal.
The 26-year-old was accused of sexual assault or sexual misconduct by at least 25 women who filed civil lawsuits against him. He settled all but one of the lawsuits, including three Monday, per ESPN's John Barr.
In March, two grand juries declined to file criminal charges against Watson.
Despite the lack of criminal charges, the NFL has the authority to suspend players under the personal conduct policy. As Albert Breer of MMQB noted, both Ben Roethlisberger and Ezekiel Elliott were suspended six games without criminal charges.
Roethlisberger was accused of sexual assault in 2010, while Elliott was accused of domestic violence in 2016.
The NFL Players Association released a statement Sunday saying it would accept Robinson's ruling and not appeal the decision.
Watson's team previously considered a lawsuit against the league in federal court if it handed down a full-year suspension, per Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports. The disagreement with the six-game suspension could still mean further action from a legal perspective.
Even with the suspension, Watson loses just $333,333 in salary for the 2022 season, per ESPN's Field Yates. The quarterback will still receive his full $44.965 million signing bonus as part of the $230 million guaranteed deal he signed with the Browns this offseason, via Spotrac.
Watson was also paid his full 2021 salary with the Houston Texans despite sitting out the full season.
The Baker Mayfield era has ended for the Cleveland Browns. For the first time since 2017, another quarterback is heading into the season as the team's starter....
Browns' Deshaun Watson Should Be Suspended 6 Games, Rules Sue L. Robinson
Aug 1, 2022
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 16: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during the Cleveland Browns mandatory minicamp at FirstEnergy Stadium on June 16, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Former federal judge Sue L. Robinson has decided Deshaun Watson should be suspended six games for violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy.
While Sue Robinson's 6-game suspension falls notably short of the indefinite suspension of at least 1-year that the NFL was seeking, I'm told Deshaun Watson's counsel & reps are currently displeased with the ruling. Watson's side still firmly maintain it should have been 0 games.
The NFL and NFLPA jointly appointed Robinson as the disciplinary officer for the case.
She noted in her 16-page decision, that of the 24 massage therapists who had filed civil suits against Watson, "the NFL investigators were only able to interview 12; of those 12, the NFL relied for its conclusions on the testimony of 4 therapists." Arriving at her recommendation of a six-game suspension without pay, Robinson wrote that she was "looking at the record when compared to the relevant precedent, and looking forward to how this disciplinary determination might be used in the future."
In addition to the suspension, she outlined that Watson should "limit his massage therapy to Club-directed sessions and Club-approved massage therapists for the duration of his career" and that he must "have no adverse involvement with law enforcement, and must not commit any additional violations of the Policy."
Robinson issued no fine for Watson. Mark Maske of the Washington Post noted how the suspension will impact Watson's pay this season:
The six-game suspension is without pay and will cost Deshaun Watson $345,000 of his $1.035 million salary for this season. There is no additional fine imposed by NFL/NFLPA disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson.
Judge Sue L. Robinson’s decision says Deshaun Watson’s “pattern of behavior was egregious,” but notes that behavior was “nonviolent sexual conduct” in explaining the decision to suspend him six games, per source.
In March, Ian Rapoport pointed out that because "His base salary for 2022 is $1M" it then "means if he’s suspended, it’ll come out of that base." Albert Breer elaborated:
Under the terms of his Texans contract, his base was $35 million, which means he would've lost $1.94 million for every game he was suspended. Under the terms of his new deal, he'll lose $55,556 for every game he's suspended.
Andrew Berry, the Browns' general manager and executive vice president of football operations, explained this spring that it's typical for the Browns to keep base salaries low in the first year of a new contract relative to the full term of the contract and that this was not designed specifically for Watson's situation.
If that's the case, the practice seems to have indirectly resulted in the cost of Watson's suspension being substantially less than it would have been otherwise.
Meanwhile, Front Office Sports specifies how a suspension impacts Watson's signing bonus:
Deshaun Watson will lose none of his $44.9 million signing bonus — he received the first $15 million yesterday.
In March 2021, attorney Tony Buzbee announced several lawsuits filed against Watson by women who had all been hired by the then-Houston Texans quarterback to perform massages. A total of 25 lawsuits were filed, all accusing Watson of sexual assault or misconduct, although one was dropped early in the process.
Watson has denied the allegations, and his legal team argued that any sexual activity between him and the women was consensual. He settled 20 of the lawsuits in June and settled three more Monday, per ESPN's John Barr.
The NFL released a statement in April 2021 in which it said it would investigate the "deeply disturbing" allegations.
The NFL's statement came on the same day Ashley Solis and Lauren Baxley publicly identified themselves as two of the plaintiffs in the civil lawsuits against Watson.
Sarah Barshop of ESPN shared some of Solis' statements in which she said Watson "robbed" her of the reasons she got into massage therapy in the first place and "tainted a profession in which I take enormous pride."
She also said she suffers from "panic attacks, anxiety and depression," adding, "I hope he knows how much pain he's inflicted on me emotionally and physically. And I hope he knows how much pain he's inflicted on these other survivors."
Baxley was not present at the April 2021 press conference, but attorney Cornelia Brandfield-Harvey read a letter on her behalf that called Watson a "predator with power" who crossed "every boundary from professional and therapeutic to sexual and degrading."
In March, two grand juries declined to indict Watson on criminal charges, with potential NFL discipline the final question mark over his return to the field.
Watson did not feature in a single game in 2021 while with the Texans after an offseason that saw him file a trade request and then named as the subject of multiple lawsuits, but the NFL did not suspend him or place him on the exempt list while the lawsuits and 10 police complaints were still active.
The Texans traded Watson to the Browns this offseason following the confirmation he wouldn't face charges, and the AFC North team signed him to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract even with his playing status not assured for the upcoming season.
In early June of this year, Jenny Vrentas reported for the New York Times that between the fall of 2019 and the spring of 2021 Watson scheduled massage appointments with at least 66 women. While he was with the Texans, the team indirectly helped to facilitate the appointments.
In late June, ESPN's Dan Graziano reported Watson's disciplinary hearing, which was overseen by Robinson after she was jointly appointed by the league and the NFL Players Association, had concluded after a three-day process.
Andrew Beaton of the Wall Street Journal reported June 25 that the NFL was eyeing an indefinite suspension of no less than one year.
"The league's belief that it should institute what is essentially the strictest discipline it can assess is based on its investigation over the last year, the breadth of the allegations against him and some accusations that NFL officials have concluded are particularly damning," Beaton wrote.
Yet Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported in July there was "growing sentiment within league circles that Watson will play at some point this season" with the NFLPA pushing for no suspension at all because "several NFL owners haven't been suspended for their direct or indirect involvement in sexual misconduct."
Graziano noted Sunday that settlement talks didn't produce a result:
Per sources, Deshaun Watson and the NFL did engage in further settlement talks in recent days, but neither side felt they got close. The best Watson’s side indicated it would accept was 6-8 games. Best league indicated it was willing to do was 12 games + heavy fine $8 mil range).
Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reported in July that Watson and the players association planned on filing a lawsuit against the NFL in federal court if he was suspended for a full season.
However, the NFLPA released a statement Sunday ahead of the ruling saying it would not appeal the decision on behalf of Watson and calling on the league to do the same.
Per the collective bargaining agreement of 2020, both the NFL and the NFLPA can appeal Robinson's decision in writing within three business days, with that period open to extension by either the league or the union if all parties agree to it. From there, any appeal would go to commissioner Roger Goodell unless he assigned someone else to review it.
So, though the 2020 CBA established this process for the handling of personal conduct cases, this being the first such case which, per the agreement, was heard by a disciplinary officer instead of Goodell, the final decision could still be in the commissioner's hands.
The NFL is currently reviewing the decision to determine its "next steps."
Deshaun Watson Agrees to Settle 3 of Remaining 4 Civil Lawsuits Ahead of NFL Ruling
Aug 1, 2022
BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during Cleveland Browns training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on July 30, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson settled three of the four remaining civil lawsuits filed against him before an independent arbitrator made a ruling on whether he violated the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Attorney Tony Buzbee, who is representing the women, informed ESPN's John Barr of the settlements. Buzbee plans to release a formal statement to the media later Monday.
Sue L. Robinson, a former U.S. district judge, ruled Monday that Watson violated the NFL's personal conduct policy and suspended him for six games. She served as an independent arbitrator at the behest of the NFL and NFLPA. The players association released a statement late Sunday saying it will not appeal Robinson's ruling.
The NFL has three days to appeal the ruling. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell could increase the punishment and then act as the sole arbitrator of the case. The league has not indicated whether it plans to move forward with an appeal.
Ashley Solis, who was the first woman to sue Watson and go public with her allegations, is among the women who settled. Solis and Kyla Hayes gave their accounts of Watson's actions in May during an appearance on Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel. According to Solis, Watson repeatedly attempted to put his penis in her hand and then threatened her career after she ended the massage.
"He just said, 'I know you have a career to protect.' And 'I know you don't want anyone messing with it just like I don't want anyone messing with mine.' To me, that's when I got really scared," Solis said.
Watson acknowledged Solis was crying at the end of their encounter when testifying under oath in May. He also admitted to sending a text message apologizing to Solis, though he maintained no wrongdoing.
"Sorry about you feeling uncomfortable," the text message read. "Never were the intentions. Lmk if you want to work in the future. My apologies."
A total of 25 women filed lawsuits against Watson, accusing acts ranging from sexual assault to harassment. Only one of those lawsuits now remains open. Watson settled 23 cases and one woman dropped her suit, citing privacy concerns.
Two different grand juries found insufficient evidence to charge Watson with a crime.
