Photo: Getty Images
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was suspended for 6 games yesterday after being accused by 2 dozen women of sexual misconduct during massage treatments.
A disciplinary officer said it was behavior "more egregious than any before reviewed by the NFL.”
Watson recently settled 23 of 24 lawsuits filed by women alleging sexual harassment and assault during massage therapy appointments in 2020 and 2021.
The NFL has 3 days to appeal the decision, but the players' association has said it will abide by the decision.
The league had pushed for an indefinite suspension of at least one year and at least a $5 million fine for Watson.
Watson can continue to practice and play in exhibition games before his suspension begins the first week of the regular season. He would be eligible to return on October 23rd when the Browns play at Baltimore.
The National Organization of Women (NOW) reacted to Deshaun Watson's six-game suspension for sexual misconduct, saying, "It is unacceptable, insulting, and dangerous! It clearly shows money talks, and women are unheard.”
NOW, the nation's leading organization for women's rights, says the ruling is not surprising, because the league and its players have been in similar situations before.
National Organization of Women also called out the Browns organization for giving Watson a $230 million contract despite the accusations, 20+ lawsuits, and a pending suspension.
Source: TMZ, Newser.
Photo Credit: Nick Cammett/Getty Images.