After being sued by 25 (as per ESPN) different women, accusing him of sexual assault and harassment, Deshaun Watson would not be able to represent his Cleveland Browns as he is enduring the banishment and suspension for 11-straight games.
Majority of these women accused the player of sexual assault during massage sessions, which ensured the league to even cut off the QB’s pay during the suspended months.
Moreover, Deshaun Watson was also ordered to pay a fine of $5 Million, with evaluation by behavioral experts to follow their suggested treatment. This punishment was brought into effect from August 30 and will only be eligible to represent the Cleveland Brown from November 28. In simpler terms, Watson will not be seen on the field before Week 13 of the 2022-23 season.
Interestingly, this would be the time when Cleveland Browns would lock horns against Watson’s former team – Houston Texans. Watson has to comply with evaluation and treatment recommendations of a third-party behavioural expert to be reinstated in the league. If he cannot do so, his return to the NFL could be postponed and there could even be worse disciplinary actions taken against him.
Could Deshaun Watson help Browns after his return in Week 13?
The actions alleged by Deshaun Watson in the lawsuits took place from March 2020 to 2021. This means the 27-year-old was a part of Houston Texans. Eventually Houston traded Watson to Browns in March, which even sent three first-round draft picks to Houston Texans. However, the tables turned just here.
Cleveland Browns handed Deshaun Watson a new five-year contract that was the richest deal in league history for any player.
Deshaun’s contract in Cleveland guarantees him a league record $230 Million, with a base salary that will jump to $46 Million in 2023 and a $44.965 million signing bonus. Given the league’s order to not pay Watson during his months of suspension, he is losing $57,500 per game.
That being said, after inching past the Panthers in the first week, the Browns came up short against Jets. Will they be able to register their second win as they lock horns against the highly unpredictable Pittsburgh Steelers?
