The long-awaited suspension for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has finally come after months of speculation, and the veteran quarterback will serve a six-game suspension (as per a ruling from independent disciplinary officer and former federal judge Sue L. Robinson) heading into the 2022-23 NFL season.
It was previously reported that Watson was going to face around a year-long suspension, but the punishment handed ended up being far less than previously anticipated.
Many have taken notice of this, and are now criticizing the NFL for their seemingly lenient handling of Watson. That includes the National Organization for Women, which released a statement on the matter on Monday.
“Deshaun Watson must not be allowed to profit from his horrific behavior, and the NFL must change its business model that allows, enables and hides sexual misconduct into one that respects women and holds abusers accountable. Shame on the Cleveland Browns for rewarding Deshaun Watson and shame on the NFL for perpetuating a system where money talks, and women aren’t heard.”
Watson has been doing his best to limit the length of his suspension as of late, settling three more civil lawsuits against him on Monday.
It has ultimately worked out for him, and he will seemingly only miss six games unless the NFL decides to appeal the suspension handed down by Robinson on Monday.
There is no indication that will happen, as the NFL is likely trying to sweep this whole situation under the rug and move on with as little controversy as possible.
The Cleveland Browns made the decision to give Watson a massive contract extension after trading for the infamous star quarterback in the hopes that his suspension would not be a long one. While it might not be the most ethical decision, it is one that has seemingly paid off for the organization.
[Pro Football Talk, National NOW]