Deshaun Watson ‘nears resolution on sexual misconduct penalty’ after NFL appealed his six-game ban
The NFL and the players’ union are reportedly advancing in settlement talks on the league’s appeal of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension over accusations of sexual misconduct.
The progressing negotiations are not certain to be finalized before arbitrator and former New Jersey attorney general Peter C. Harvey hands down his punishment, according to The Associated Press, which first reported the talks.
Harvey was appointed by Commissioner Roger Goodell to rule on the league’s appeal of a six-game suspension already imposed on Watson by an independent disciplinary officer.
Last week, the AP was told Watson was willing to accept an eight-game suspension and $5 million fine. The league has been seeking a lengthier punishment for Watson, who was accused of sexual assault and sexual harassment by two dozen women in Texas.
A league spokesman did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com’s request for confirmation.
![The NFL and the players' union are reportedly advancing in settlement talks on the league's appeal of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's six-game suspension over accusations of sexual misconduct](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/17/21/61483257-11121283-image-a-14_1660769331499.jpg)
The NFL and the players’ union are reportedly advancing in settlement talks on the league’s appeal of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension over accusations of sexual misconduct
The three-time Pro Bowl QB was allegedly sexually inappropriate with the women during massage therapy appointments while he played for the Houston Texans. Watson settled 23 of 24 civil lawsuits filed by the women, mostly massage therapists, who accused him of everything from indecent exposure to claims of forced oral sex.
Watson has repeatedly insisted that he ‘never assaulted anyone’ and two Texas grand juries have declined to press charges against him.
However, the Georgia native recently offered a public apology for his behavior, although he stopped short of specifying what he’s done wrong.
‘I want to say that I’m truly sorry to all of the women that I have impacted in this situation,’ Watson told the Browns website in an interview that aired on Cleveland’s News 5.
‘The decisions that I made in my life that put me in this position I would definitely like to have back,’ he continued, ‘but I want to continue to move forward and grow and learn and show that I am a true person of character and I am going to keep pushing forward.’
Watson’s contrition came as Harvey considered the league’s appeal of a ruling by independent arbiter Sue L. Robinson, who found the 26-year-old violated the league’s personal conduct policy with his alleged lewd behavior.
It’s not known if Harvey is waiting for the sides to exhaust any possibilities of a settlement before ruling.
A settlement could get Watson on the field this season for the Browns, who traded three first-round draft picks — and five overall — for one of the game’s top QBs in March and signed him to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract.
![The progressing negotiations are not certain to be finalized before arbitrator and former New Jersey attorney general Peter C. Harvey hands down his punishment, according to The Associated Press, which first reported the talks. Harvey was appointed by Commissioner Roger Goodell (pictured) to rule on the league's appeal of a six-game suspension already imposed on Watson by an independent disciplinary officer](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/17/21/61483255-11121283-image-a-15_1660769345625.jpg)
The progressing negotiations are not certain to be finalized before arbitrator and former New Jersey attorney general Peter C. Harvey hands down his punishment, according to The Associated Press, which first reported the talks. Harvey was appointed by Commissioner Roger Goodell (pictured) to rule on the league’s appeal of a six-game suspension already imposed on Watson by an independent disciplinary officer
Robinson called his actions ‘egregious’ and predatory and while she levied a six-game suspension, the league wasn’t satisfied and appealed. The NFL had been seeking a year-long suspension.
For months, the Browns have operated under the assumption Watson would be out for at least part of the 2022 season. Veteran Jacoby Brissett is slotted to start while Watson is out, but a full-season ban could move the team to hit the market for another quality QB.
Following his apology last week, Watson showed rust in an abbreviated preseason appearance in Jacksonville, his first game action in nearly 600 days. Watson badly overthrew his first pass and finished 1 of 5 for 7 yards in three series.
Brissett began getting the majority of work with Cleveland’s first-team offense this week. He’s not expected to play in Sunday’s home exhibition against Philadelphia. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski hasn’t disclosed the team’s plans for Watson against the Eagles, who will practice with the Browns in Berea, Ohio, on Thursday and Friday.
![For months, the Browns have operated under the assumption Watson would be out for at least part of the 2022 season. Veteran Jacoby Brissett (pictured) is slotted to start while Watson is out, but a full-season ban could move the team to hit the market for another quality QB](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/17/21/61483387-11121283-image-a-16_1660769476208.jpg)
For months, the Browns have operated under the assumption Watson would be out for at least part of the 2022 season. Veteran Jacoby Brissett (pictured) is slotted to start while Watson is out, but a full-season ban could move the team to hit the market for another quality QB