Deshaun Watson is set to take the field for the first time in the regular season for the Browns after serving his 11-game suspension, but new details have come to light about the NFL and NFLPA’s settlement talks concerning his punishment, including that his discipline was allegedly “preordained” by commissioner Roger Goodell.
The quarterback faced more than two dozen lawsuits graphically describing sexual assault and harassment over the last year-plus, and after settling a majority of the complaints, there are just two active cases remaining, one of which was filed a few months after the settlement agreement for his punishment was reached. Sports Illustrated obtained a threatening letter sent on behalf of the players association to the NFL’s appeals officer, Peter Harvey, days after independent arbitrator Sue L. Robinson reached an initial disciplinary decision.
The former judge found that Watson engaged in conduct that created “a genuine danger to the safety and well-being of another person, and conduct that undermines or puts at risk the integrity of the NFL.” But, Robinson decided his behavior “does not fall into the category of violent conduct,” and the NFL appealed. Goodell appointed Harvey to reach a final verdict. However, the two sides reached an agreement before Harvey made his decision.
