Analysis
8/18/22
2 min read
NFL World Responds to Deshaun Watson’s 11-Game Suspension
After a very long process, a ruling on Deshaun Watson’s suspension has been agreed upon by the NFL and NFLPA. After the NFL appealed the original 6-game suspension, Watson will face an 11-game suspension that also includes a fine of $5 million that will go to charity. The deal has been signed and agreed upon by all parties, and his suspension will begin on Aug. 30. Watson will not participate in the team's remaining preseason games.
We will continue to update you with the reaction of the NFL community as the story continues to develop.
Details of Suspension
Deshaun Watson’s 11-game suspension will begin Aug 30, on the NFL’s roster cutdown day. He may return to the team’s training facility and participate in limited activities on Oct 10. On Nov. 14, he can resume practicing, and Watson can play again Dec 4 against the Houston Texans.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 18, 2022
Words From Watson
#Browns Deshaun Watson: “I stand on my innocence” pic.twitter.com/OuxzRjdflH
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 18, 2022
Reaction to Watson's Press Conference
Few things in recent NFL memory seem more cynical than Deshaun Watson vaguely apologizing on Friday, only to go back to his stance of denying all responsibility after the league finalized his suspension.
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) August 18, 2022
Deshaun Watson to reporters vs. Deshaun Watson in written statement. pic.twitter.com/uQ1ns5tUmw
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) August 18, 2022
as ever, the Browns and every other NFL entity believe they just have to weather the PR storm for a little while, then just let TD’s and wins take over. they don’t try to do better or be better at handling this because they don’t have to. that’s reality.
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) August 18, 2022
took deshaun watson about 10 minutes to rip up those talking points and take the mask off after that suspension dropped https://t.co/sVmVlbFPSL
— Brian Floyd (@BrianMFloyd) August 18, 2022
Quotes from today:
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam: “People deserve second chances.”
Roger Goodell: “Deshaun has committed to doing the hard work on himself.”
Deshaun Watson: “I’ve always been able to stand on my innocence and always said I never assaulted or disrespected anyone.”
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) August 18, 2022
Deshaun Watson does not "accept accountability" or "understand his behavior." He just said in his press conference, over and over again, that he did not engage in any inappropriate behavior. https://t.co/4ThtyRI9Sj
— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) August 18, 2022
https://t.co/y1vmXILLmw pic.twitter.com/kctPLzSlYw
— Pablo Torre (@PabloTorre) August 18, 2022
The nuances of this Deshaun Watson situation is actually not nuanced at all. Women who were assaulted have been humiliated and disregarded in the process of coming forward against a high profile athlete using his power for sexual pleasure.
— Kimmi (@kimmichex) August 18, 2022
Reaction to the Press Conference Held by Browns' Leadership
Spoke to a 20-year massage therapist in the Cleveland area to get her reaction to mandating "team-approved" massage sessions for Watson: "That doesn't address the issue in any shape or form. And then what about that person that has to work on them?" (1/2) https://t.co/P6xS6kHTFi
— Michele Steele (@MicheleSteele) August 18, 2022
Re: the women involved. pic.twitter.com/VHo6ccR7gZ
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) August 18, 2022
#Browns say Deshaun Watson is remorseful.
Deshaun Watson says he's not. https://t.co/21G3TZtpVe
— Zach Brunner (@FantasyFlurry) August 18, 2022