Three weeks ago, Disciplinary Officer (and former federal judge) Sue Robinson ruled that Cleveland Browns' quarterback Deshaun Watson would be suspended six games for his role in the assortment of sexual misconduct allegations that he had been levied against him by 24 women. Robinson was hired by the NFL and the NFLPA to make an assertation based on the facts, the law, and the league's previous suspensions. According to reports, Watson's camp was satisfied with the six-game suspension but the NFL's commissioner, Roger Godell, was not. Therefore he set out to suspend Watson for 12-17 games primarily to satisfy the league's owners and growing fanbase amongst the female demographic. In the weeks that followed Godell's decision, it had been rumored that the NFLPA was gearing up to file a lawsuit against the NFL for failing to honor Robinson's ruling. Today, the NFL and the NFLPA avoided a dreaded court date by agreeing that Watson's suspension will increase from six games to 11. The agreement also stipulates that Watson must pay a $5 million fine, which is the largest fine issued to a player in NFL history. His reinstatement is also contingent upon his compliance with the league's demand that he gets mental treatment from a third party.
"Deshaun has committed to doing the hard work on himself that is necessary for his return to the NFL," Commissioner Goodell said. "This settlement requires compliance with a professional evaluation and treatment plan, a significant fine, and a more substantial suspension...We are grateful to Judge Robinson and Peter Harvey for their efforts in addressing these matters, which laid the foundation for reaching this conclusion."
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Source: ESPN
Source: Espn.com
