Why was Deshaun Watson able to be traded to the Browns despite still facing 22 sexual misconduct lawsuits? And will the NFL suspend the quarterback?
Reem AbdalazemUpdate: Mar 18th, 2022 20:05 EDT
AS
In his search to find a new team, quarterback Deshaun Watson chose to leave the Houston Texans, even after they paid him for the 2021 season he did not play, and joined the Cleveland Browns, stunning the NFL world with his decision.
It seems that the three-time Pro Bowler had narrowed his choices down to the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints, before finally landing a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract with Cleveland.
Related: Deshaun Watson lands record deal with Cleveland Browns
Why are there lawsuits against Deshaun Watson?
While Watson landed a record deal that seems like everything he needed, doubts about his legal situation are still circling around the league. The 26-year-old, who did not play a single game last season with the Texans due to sexual misconduct allegations, still faces 22 lawsuits by women who accuse him of sexual assault.
Related: Deshaun Watson facing raft of sexual misconduct lawsuits
The NFL could suspend Deshaun Watson
The Browns were able to acquire Watson after the grand jury decided not to prosecute him on March 11. Yet even with this, the NFL can still suspend the QB, if they decide, for his connection to such allegations.
In 2010, the NFL suspended Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for several games under their personal conduct policy, as he was accused of sexual misconduct, but not charged with a crime.
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