Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson reportedly will feature in his team’s preseason. Previously, the NFL suspended him for six games over several sexual harassment and assault allegations against over 20 female massage therapists.
Senior analyst Michael Florio from Pro Football Talks reported that the Browns were planning to play him for some preseason games. It remains unclear if Watson will play all games.
“Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Browns plan to use Watson during the preseason,” Florio said. “Whether he plays in all three games and the extent of his playing time remains to be seen.”
Dozens of Watson’s victims have detailed graphic accounts of sexual harassment and assault that he committed during separate massage therapy sessions.
“His intentions were different,” Mary, not her real name, told Sports Illustrated. “There was one point that he did tell me that I could move [his penis] if I needed to, and I just completely ignored him.”
The NFL Players Association did not appeal the six-game suspension imposed on the quarterback. “The appeal could potentially result in an immediate suspension that lasts at least one year,” Florio said. “ It is possible that a ban of this length will result in an immediate ban on Watson.”
Tony Buzbee, the attorney of the victims said the punishment was not severe enough.
“Six games isn’t even a slap on the wrist, it’s a kiss on the cheek,” Buzbee said. “I have no explanation why the NFL only spoke to 10 of my clients and only presented four of those 10. It really makes you want to scratch your head and wonder what the hell is going on.”
One of Watson’s accusers who went public, Ashley Solis, also criticized the suspension, adding she had received several death threats.
“What the actions of the NFL state to little girls who have suffered at the hands of someone perceived to have power is that it’s not a big deal,” Solis said. “That they don’t care. Tough s—. That’s what I’ve taken from their actions.”
Objection overruled
Starting from March 2021, twenty-five women filed civil lawsuits against Watson. One dropped her case due to privacy concerns in April of the same year, 20 of them settled the case last June, and ahead of Monday’s disciplinary decision, three other cases were settled.
Despite the massive reports, Watson will not face any criminal charges after A grand jury overruled nine criminal complaints against him. Rusty Hardin, Watson’s attorney, accused the victims of taking advantage of the situation.
“There were no crimes here, but there is a plaintiffs’ attorney churning up negative press and churning up his clients hoping for a payday,” he said. “These cases have been the product of a lawyer maximizing his own personal publicity at the expense of others, including his own clients.”
Earlier in March, Watson denied all the allegations at a press conference.
“I understand these allegations are serious,” he said. “I never assaulted any woman. I’ve never disrespected any woman. I was raised to be genuine and to respect everyone around me. I’ve never done the things that these people are alleging.”