A year and half after Deshaun Watson was first reported by massage therapists for sexual harassment and sexual assault, we have resolution of his NFL discipline. In a negotiated settlement that obviated the need for a ruling from appeals officer Peter C. Harvey, Watson will now sit out the first 11 games of the NFL season, pay a $5 million fine and undergo mandatory counseling. And this will end the appeals and potential judiciary process for this matter; it is agreed to by the player side—the NFL Players Association and Watson’s legal team—along with the NFL. End of story. But there are no winners …
My Reaction
As this disciplinary process began, the NFL wanted an indefinite suspension, with Watson having the opportunity to apply for reinstatement after the season. As for Watson’s camp, they were sticking with their party line that he had not done anything wrong and wanted no discipline (as I said throughout, good luck with that).
