Deshawn Watson will be making his first NFL appearance in 19 months as the Cleveland Browns take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in the club’s preseason opener. The quarterback can participate in exhibitions, but his status in the regular season is still very precarious.
Sue L. Robinson, the disciplinary officer who first oversaw Watson’s case, has served six games as the quarterback recently faced 24 civil lawsuits for sexual misconduct during a massage session with the Houston Texans. Advised Suspension. NFL I have since appealed that decision.as well as their rights at the CBA, are seeking a one-year ban.
Before heading to Jacksonville’s TIAA Bank Field for the exhibition, Watson spoke with CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala and Robinson’s notes in her ruling that Watson showed no remorse for his actions. was specifically asked about
“I am truly sorry to all the women I have affected in this situation. I definitely want to take back the decisions I have made in my life that have put me in this position. ”
Whether Watson’s suspension remains at six games or extends beyond this appeal, he’ll be out of the team for quite some time.
“I know there’s a lot of work to be done, especially when I can get back on the field, to make sure I’m ready to play,” Watson said. vacation on a personal level. “The biggest thing is that I want to continue counseling. I want to make sure I’m growing as a person and as an individual for decision-making on and off the field. I want to make sure I’m evolving in the community.” It’s for the Cleveland community, the NFL community, and the community beyond.”
At a special league meeting in Minneapolis, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently addressed Watson’s actions. Said it was ‘vicious’ and the quarterback displayed ‘predatory behavior’ while explaining the league’s decision to seek a longer suspension.
The Associated Press reports that Watson will accept an eight-game suspension and a $5 million fine if a settlement is reached with the league. However, the NFL appears to be seeking an even longer ban than that.
Goodell’s personal nominee, former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey, is currently overseeing the NFL’s appeal.