Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson suspended six games: A look at the timeline
2022-08-01
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson now knows when he’ll be able to take the field for his team in a regular-season game.
In an announcement that has been expected for some time now, arbitrator Sue L. Robinson handed down a six-game suspension to Watson stemming from the north of 20 women who have alleged sexual misconduct on the part of the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback.
The official word comes from Ian Rapoport and several others. Watson was found to be in violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. The NFL now has three days to file an appeal, if they choose to do so.
In addition to the suspension, Robinson’s decision restricts Watson to only receive massages from therapists on the Browns’ staff. Robinson stated Watson’s pattern of behavior was “egregious” while noting the behavior was “nonviolent sexual conduct“.
It was just Sunday evening that reports surfaced a final determination would be made by the former Delaware federal judge in this new arbitration process pitting NFL players against the league over potential discipline.
With Watson now suspended six games, Jacoby Brissett will take over as Cleveland’s starting quarterback on a stopgap basis. There’s also a chance that general manager Andrew Berry and Co. kick the tires on an outside option such as San Francisco 49ers veteran Jimmy Garoppolo. It also remains to be seen whether either side will file an appeal. Though, the NFLPA pretty much announced Sunday evening that it would stand by Robinson’s ruling.
The on-field impact of Watson’s suspension is by now well known. Cleveland exhausted three first-round picks and change to acquire the former first-round pick from the Houston Texans during the spring. It then signed him to a fully-guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract.
Having sat out the entire 2021 season due to both his trade request from the Texans and these accusations, the 26-year-old Watson will now have to wait a while longer to take to the field.
Now that all of this has come to a head, it’s time to check in on the timeline surrounding this Watson off-field scandal. It’s been nearly 18 months in the making with twists and turns at nearly every stop.
January 28, 2021: Deshaun Watson officially requests a trade from the Houston Texans less than six months after signing a four-year, $156 million extension with the team. Watson reportedly grew frustrated over the direction of the organization.
January 29, 2021: Texans general manager Nick Caserio says the team has “zero interest” in trading Watson, setting the stage for a prolonged battle between the two sides.
February 27, 2021: Reports break that Watson is willing to sit out multiple games during the 2021 season as a way to force a trade from the Texans.
March 16, 2021: Sexual misconduct allegations surface against Watson with one woman initially coming forward. The accusation included a civil suit against the then-Texans starter.
March 18, 2022:Deshaun Watson traded to the Cleveland Browns for three first-round picks and change. Watson ultimately inks record-breaking five-year, $230 million contract — fully guaranteed.
March 20, 2022: Browns release statement after acquiring Watson, claim that they ran a thorough investigation. Attorney for Watson accusers claims that the Browns did not reach out to him.
March 24, 2022: Second grand jury in Texas opts against recommending criminal charges against Mr. Watson.
June 28, 2022: The first day of a three-day disciplinary hearing between the NFL and Watson begins. Former federal judge Sue L. Robinson oversees the hearing.
July 31, 2022: Reports break that a decision will be made on a Watson suspension Monday. Quarterback settles three of four remaining civil cases.
August 1, 2022: Watson suspended six games by arbitrator in the disciplinary hearing. Eligible to return in Week 7, pending an appeal by either the NFLPA or the league.