Celebrity quarterback Deshaun Watson has been facing a slew of allegations of sexual misconduct, in the past few years. Former U.S. District Judge Sue L. Robinson told the NFL and the NFLPA that the quarterback should be suspended for six games as he had violated the personal conduct of the league. This ban has been called a “joke” by NFL fans on social media and comparisons have been made with the harsher ban meted out to Atlanta Falcons’s Calvin Ridley who faced a fine.
In her verdict, on Monday, the former federal judge described Deshaun Watson’s pattern of behavior as “egregious” and also termed it as “nonviolent sexual conduct” and mentioned that the QB showed no remorse for his behavior. She also said that Watson could get massage therapy in future only from professionals who worked for the Cleveland Browns.
The NFL has three days to file an appeal to the current suspension. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell or a person designated by him will hear the appeal. There’s a probability that there would be an appeal as NFL fans are outraged by the six game ban.
Atlanta Falcon fans are also enraged that their favorite Calvin Ridley has faced a harsh punishment as he had placed bets on his team’s victories, when he was away from the game, due to an injury. He faced an indefinite suspension and a fine. His fans are demanding justice for him on social media, mainly on Twitter.
Deshaun Williams has been given a lenient sentence, according to many and is being called out for it by many fans. Tony Buzbee, the lawyer who represented most of the women who filed cases against the quarterback, called the verdict a “slap in the face.”
Deshaun Watson has been accused of sexual misconduct when he attended massage sessions as a player of the Houston Texans. Twenty five women filed civil lawsuits against him. In April 2021, one lawsuit was withdrawn after a judge ruled that plaintiffs needed to disclose their names.
In June, the quarterback reached settlements with 20 of the 24 lawsuits filed against him. On Monday, he settled three more lawsuits. None of the terms of settlement have been disclosed. The Texans have been accused of enabling his behavior, when he played with the team. The organization reached settlements with 30 women. These women either made claims or were preparing to make make claims against the Texans as the organization reportedly played a role in Deshaun Watson’s alleged misconduct and behavior.
Photo Jamie Lamor Thompson
NFL Report: Watson, NFLPA plan to sue if suspended for 2022
