УСАЦИ
The Cleveland Browns may soon have clarity about Deshon Watson’s status for the 2022 season. Watson’s disciplinary hearing in the NFL is scheduled to begin Tuesday, according to ESPN and confirmed by CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones. NFL and NFLPA co-appointed Sue L. Robinson will conduct the hearing. Following Robinson’s decision, both the NFL and the NFLPA have the opportunity to appeal. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell can either rule on the complaint or request an independent trustee.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, the NFL is pushing for an indefinite removal that will last at least a year for Watson, who has previously faced 24 civil cases accusing him of sexually abusing him during massage sessions during on his stay with the Texans from Houston. Watson chose 20 of these suits. Watson, who has denied any wrongdoing, has not been charged on criminal charges by two grand juries in Texas earlier this offseason.
During Watson’s inaugural press conference in Cleveland, Browns GM Andrew Berry asked questions about a possible removal, including his new quarterback. Berry said the team has and will continue to communicate openly with the NFL. Berry added that Watson’s salary – which includes a base salary of $ 1 million for the 2022 season – is not to prevent the team from stopping, but to give them flexibility going forward. The Browns signed a five-year, fully guaranteed $ 230 million deal with Watson after its acquisition.
Brown has several options in case Watson is removed. The team signed veterans Jacoby Brisset and Joshua Dobbs this offseason. Cleveland also still has Baker Mayfield, who remains under contract despite publicly asking for a deal.
If stopped, the league is likely to determine that Watson has violated the league’s code of conduct. The NFL introduced the policy in 2007 in an attempt to improve the behavior of off-field players. One of the most notable removals included the current Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott received a six-game ban in 2017, although the NFL’s lead investigator in the case recommended that no removal be made. After Elliott was sidelined, the Cowboys missed the playoffs a year after a 13-3 result.
If Watson is penalized for the first six games, he will miss the games in Carolina and Atlanta and the home games against the Jets, Steelers, Chargers and Patriots. His first comeback game will be against the Ravens in Baltimore in week 7. His first home game as a quarterback for the Browns will take place next weekend against AFC defending champion Cincinnati Bengals.
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