CLEVELAND (AP) — Deshaun Watson’s near-term future with the Browns could be in the works. The Cleveland quarterback will have a hearing next week with NFL disciplinary officer Sue L.
CLEVELAND (AP) — Deshaun Watson’s near-term future with the Browns could be in the works.
The Cleveland quarterback will have a hearing next week with NFL disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson, three people familiar with the scheduled meeting told The Associated Press on Saturday.
Watson, who faces a potential suspension from the league due to accusations of sexual misconduct by two dozen massage therapists in Texas, will meet with Robinson on Tuesday, the person who spoke on condition of anonymity said because details of the hearing were not disclosed. publicly.
It is not yet clear how long Watson is to meet Robinson.
The hearing is an important development in Watson’s case as Robinson will decide whether the 26-year-old violated the league’s personal conduct policy. The league is expected to recommend significant discipline for Watson, who will be defended by the NFL Players Association in the high-profile case.
ESPN was first to report Watson’s meeting with Robinson, who was jointly named by the league and the NFL Players Association in 2020. It’s the first case the former federal judge has heard as part of the revised league disciplinary procedure. Previously, Commissioner Roger Goodell handled these issues.
Earlier this week, Watson reached undisclosed financial settlements in civil lawsuits filed by 20 of his 24 accusers. The women claimed he harassed, assaulted or touched them during sessions he played for Houston.
The remaining four cases could still go to trial, but that wouldn’t happen until 2023.
Watson denied any wrongdoing and said the sex with three of the women was consensual.
The league said Watson’s settlements would not affect its investigation. If Robinson finds out that Watson violated the league’s personal conduct policy, he will likely be suspended for several games or more.
Robinson is expected to reign supreme before the Browns open training camp later next month.
Cleveland signed Watson to a five-year, $230 million deal in March after convincing the three-time Pro Bowler to waive his no-trade clause and join a team looking to bounce back from a disappointing 8-9 season. He had also been chased by several other teams.
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AP Football Writer Rob Maaddi in Tampa, Fla. contributed to this report.
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Tom Withers, The Associated Press