QB Deshaun Watson, CLE (2 Viewers)

[GregR]

I'm not standing up for Watson but this whole thing thing is just ridiculous.
Why waste everyone's time with the independent Judge if they knew that were just going to do go with a year anyway?
Hey everyone, we're going to show that our process of determining punishment is fair and if we don't like their decision... Roger will just do his thing anyway.

Because the independent judge had sole power to decide whether Watson broke the policy or not. If she said he didn't, that would have been the end of it.

Before this the NFL could have decided he broke the policy, and set the punishment. Now they can still set the punishment if they choose. But only if the independent judge said he broke the policy.

Also now the NFL has to present all the evidence on which the decision is based.

 

[Faust]

Pro Football Network's Aaron Wilson reports the NFLPA is engaged in "active settlement negotiations" with the NFL in the Deshaun Watson case.​

"Sources expressed optimism that a deal will get worked out," Wilson added. Wilson reports Watson's side has become increasingly open to a settlement because of a belief that NFL designee Peter Harvey could "drop the hammer on Watson" in the league's appeal of judge Susan Robinson's ruling of a six-game suspension. Watson is apparently resigned to a longer ban and a "multi-million" fine. It is unclear how interested the league is in a settlement.
SOURCE: Pro Football Network
Aug 16, 2022, 11:37 PM ET

 

[-jb-]

Pro Football Network's Aaron Wilson reports the NFLPA is engaged in "active settlement negotiations" with the NFL in the Deshaun Watson case.​

"Sources expressed optimism that a deal will get worked out," Wilson added. Wilson reports Watson's side has become increasingly open to a settlement because of a belief that NFL designee Peter Harvey could "drop the hammer on Watson" in the league's appeal of judge Susan Robinson's ruling of a six-game suspension. Watson is apparently resigned to a longer ban and a "multi-million" fine. It is unclear how interested the league is in a settlement.
SOURCE: Pro Football Network
Aug 16, 2022, 11:37 PM ET

if it's unclear how interested the league is in a settlement, then how is the nflpa in active settlement negotiations?

:shuked:

 

[zeeshan2]

[Graziano] Sources close to the Deshaun Watson situation believe a resolution could come today or tomorrow. Recent talks between NFL and Watson's reps have heightened hope that they can reach a settlement without Peter C. Harvey having to rule, but it's unclear how much longer he will wait.

 

[TheWinz]

I would like the punishment to be 5 years and $230M, but he only has to pay $1M this year.

 

[Anarchy99]

I would like the punishment to be 5 years and $230M, but he only has to pay $1M this year.

DW likely will be hit with a fine on top of losing his (very modest) game checks.

 

[DropKick]

I really think he was into massage with a "happy ending". I think, for legal reasons, he couldn't solicit it and made the suggestion in private, in person. Without evidence, I also think there was additional compensation transacted. I personally don't believe there was anything but consensual "interaction" and don't hold a grudge for his dealings. I can only say that this is how things add up for me and I may very well be wrong, but I can understand a "lack of remorse" if correct.

I think what you described is (mostly) within the range of potential outcomes - in at least some of the cases and quite possibly most of them. The guy (allegedly) had massages with 66 different women over a 17 month period, 25 filed suit, 20 settled, the NFL presented 4, and I've never thought it was a gaffe on Rusty Hardin's part to say (paraphrasing) happy endings aren't illegal. That math is...an eyebrow raiser.

If you haven't read the report you should though. What Robinson wrote about those 4 cases painted a consistent picture and I think it's fair to assume those plaintiffs did not have consensual experiences. The others? Well...we'll probably never know, but based on what we do know I don't think your theory is crazy.

I read Sue Robison's report. It looks like Watson's team offered very little in the way of defense, essentially

So your theory is that Watson had sex with a bunch of prostitutes and then those prostitutes all got together and decided to sue him for unwanted sexual advances with no worries about being outed as prostitutes.

Sounds plausible.

My theory is that he wanted a massage ending with release. He alluded to it in texts prior to the actual encounter, but would not be specific. Some of the MTs were amenable (42 of 66?), some were not, and some were genuinely surprised at the suggestion. In his eyes, he was doing nothing wrong inasmuch as he was only seeking, not demanding, the encounter. Do I think the women were prostitutes? No. Nor do I believe he thought of them that way. He thought of them as women he might "Hook up" with for a one-night stand. (Though, I readily admit I've never spoken to him or do I know him at all.)

Regarding the allegations, I found the majority to be identical, boilerplate filings. Several, I found to be implausible, and I wonder if this isn't the reason the NFL didn't present them all.

All-in-all, that's how it adds up to me.

You said he paid them for sex. That’s where I got that you thought they were prostitutes.

Understood. It's a fine line, eh? If he was paying for a service and tipped for exceptional attention, then does that constitute prostitution, even if it was his intention all along? I wonder if he went with new MTs often because he wanted to avoid any chargeable offense. (ie. once is a gift, twice is a transaction.)

Take it from a pervert.... he went with new MTs for the thrill of it.

 

[zeeshan2]

Deshaun news expected today

https://twitter.com/MaryKayCabot/status/1560290277717426176?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

 

[Cowboysfan8]

11 games
$5 mil fine
Pro football talk

 

[Cowboysfan8]

https://mobile.twitter.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1560293362460200960

 

[zeeshan2]

NFL had a freaking layup on their hands and they blew it

 

[Anarchy99]

Official Ruling

 

[Anarchy99]

It makes sense for Watson to keep it at 11 games. He needed 6 games to get a year of service time in.

 

[-jb-]

guys please don't break the bored.

 

[menobrown]

11 games
$5 mil fine
Pro football talk

I'll be curious to know if Watson could have got this down to 8 games and if so what fine would he have had to pay over the $5M.

Understand he's got a ton of legal fees and settlement costs but this suspension will end up costing him very little and if he could have got 8 games for a $10M fine he did the franchise and their fans a huge disservice.

Disappointed but assuming this is correct just glad it's over and we get to see him on the field this year.

 

[Buckna]

Official Ruling

"Fine will be combined with donations from the NFL and the Cleveland Browns resulting in $7MM to support the prevention of sexual misconduct and assault."

I mean it's good the money is going to a good cause, but still I can't help .

 

[massraider]

(Lets Chubb go as a 2nd round keeper)

 

[wlwiles]

So 11 games means he'll miss:
@ Carolina
vs Jets
vs Steelers
@ Falcons
vs Chargers
vs Patriots
@ Ravens
vs Bengals
Bye - Week 9
@ Dolphins
@ Bills
vs Buccaneers

So half of their divisional games, half their NFC games, and 12 total weeks since the Bye is sandwiched in there. Will get to play in:

@ Texans
@ Bengals
vs Ravens
vs Saints
@ Commanders
@ Steelers

 

[zed2283]

This is a good deal, everyone should just go with it.

If I'm Watson I'm probably only really upset about the treatment and evaluation aspect. I would have done whatever to keep that out of it.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Official Ruling

"Fine will be combined with donations from the NFL and the Cleveland Browns resulting in $7MM to support the prevention of sexual misconduct and assault."

I mean it's good the money is going to a good cause, but still I can't help .

I’m against sexual misconduct and assault.

 

[massraider]

So 11 games means he'll miss:

vs Buccaneers

The golden horseshoe wedged up Tm Brady's backside remains firmly in place.

 

[menobrown]

So he will debut in week 12 at home vs Tampa on Thanksgiving weekend, head to Houston the next week. All games scheduled for noon CST, will play each team in the division once and for playoff weeks 15-17 had what looks like right now a pretty difficult schedule of Baltimore, Saints and Washington.

They have a bye, so he debuts one week later.

yea just realized my bad math and would have successfully deleted my message from existence except.... lol

 

[socrates]

So 11 games means he'll miss:
@ Carolina
vs Jets
vs Steelers
@ Falcons
vs Chargers
vs Patriots
@ Ravens
vs Bengals
Bye - Week 9
@ Dolphins
@ Bills
vs Buccaneers

So half of their divisional games, half their NFC games, and 12 total weeks since the Bye is sandwiched in there. Will get to play in:

@ Texans
@ Bengals
vs Ravens
vs Saints
@ Commanders
@ Steelers

Interesting that Watson's first game back is at Houston.

 

[beer 30]

Just this years edition of being a Brown's fan.

Moving on

 

[Buckna]

Official Ruling

"Fine will be combined with donations from the NFL and the Cleveland Browns resulting in $7MM to support the prevention of sexual misconduct and assault."

I mean it's good the money is going to a good cause, but still I can't help .

I’m against sexual misconduct and assault.

The NFL makes it want to seem they are, but this screams token symbolic act. Especially since they limited this to 11 games and Watson's contract doesn't toll.

 

[menobrown]

So next order of business is do the Browns really try and roll with Jacoby for 11 games? Seems hard to believe. Obvious guy who will be linked to them is Jimmy G. I don't seem them trading for him but if he's cut hard to think they won't be interested, but would Jimmy rather wait and see what else opens up knowing he's walking into a situation he'll have the plug pulled him after 11 games?

 

[zeeshan2]

[Wilson] Deshaun Watson's increased 11 game suspension and $5 million fine in addition to contributions from NFL, Browns will establish a fund of $7 million to support nonprofit organizations to promote education, prevention of sexual misconduct, support survivors, related causes

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Another bad day for the 0 suspension, NFL will look like fools crowd.

I can’t believe his 1st game back will be against Houston.

Amazing. 11 + $5M to charity seems like a decent penalty,

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Important note: this was not a ruling by the league's designee on appeal. This is a settlement. That means there won't be a lawsuit.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

So next order of business is do the Browns really try and roll with Jacoby for 11 games? Seems hard to believe. Obvious guy who will be linked to them is Jimmy G. I don't seem them trading for him but if he's cut hard to think they won't be interested, but would Jimmy rather wait and see what else opens up knowing he's walking into a situation he'll have the plug pulled him after 11 games?

I don’t see the Browns spending $$$$ on JimmyG the interim QB.

And if he’s cut, I doubt he’d want to sign there. What’s the incentive for JimmyG to go there? Play 11 then become a backup?

Just doesn’t make sense for the Browns financially or for JimmyG’s career path.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Important note: this was not a ruling by the league's designee on appeal. This is a settlement. That means there won't be a lawsuit.

I doubt there would have been regardless.

That was bluster, and felt like some sort of “we have no leverage here so we’re going to threaten to drag this out if we don’t get a reduced suspension” ploy.

I saw that as an extremely unlikely scenario. The only thing that would have done would be to drag it into 2023 where Watson would lose real $. Even the $5m here was pocket change for him.

 

[menobrown]

So next order of business is do the Browns really try and roll with Jacoby for 11 games? Seems hard to believe. Obvious guy who will be linked to them is Jimmy G. I don't seem them trading for him but if he's cut hard to think they won't be interested, but would Jimmy rather wait and see what else opens up knowing he's walking into a situation he'll have the plug pulled him after 11 games?

I don’t see the Browns spending $$$$ on JimmyG the interim QB.

And if he’s cut, I doubt he’d want to sign there. What’s the incentive for JimmyG to go there? Play 11 then become a backup?

Just doesn’t make sense for the Browns financially or for JimmyG’s career path.

Last I checked, which was a few weeks ago, Browns have the most cap space in the league and I don't think Jimmy will cost that much. His current salary is of no consequence, that's why no one will trade for him.

As for Jimmy G and we are approaching kickoff this might be only opening and 11 games with a strong supporting cast might be something he views as far superior to being a clear cut backup all year or sitting on the sidelines hoping for a spot to open up.

 

[socrates]

How many TD vs. Int. does Watson throw in his first game back from suspension?

If Watson's preseason debut is a glimpse of the rust to his game, it could be a slow return for him after what will have been nearly two season's of game inactivity.

With this ruling, I believe Deshaun Watson is still allowed to practice with the team until the start of the season and play in preseason games, and, if I am not mistaken, he can return to practice after Week 6, so we will see if he can shake the rust off.

 

[zeeshan2]

How many TD vs. Int. does Watson throw in his first game back from suspension?

If Watson's preseason debut is a glimpse of the rust to his game, it could be a slow return for him after what will have been nearly two season's of game inactivity.

With this ruling, I believe Deshaun Watson is still allowed to practice with the team until the start of the season and play in preseason games, and, if I am not mistaken, he can return to practice after Week 6, so we will see if he can shake the rust off.

Well they play the Bengals and Ravens after the Texans

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

So next order of business is do the Browns really try and roll with Jacoby for 11 games? Seems hard to believe. Obvious guy who will be linked to them is Jimmy G. I don't seem them trading for him but if he's cut hard to think they won't be interested, but would Jimmy rather wait and see what else opens up knowing he's walking into a situation he'll have the plug pulled him after 11 games?

I don’t see the Browns spending $$$$ on JimmyG the interim QB.

And if he’s cut, I doubt he’d want to sign there. What’s the incentive for JimmyG to go there? Play 11 then become a backup?

Just doesn’t make sense for the Browns financially or for JimmyG’s career path.

Last I checked, which was a few weeks ago, Browns have the most cap space in the league and I don't think Jimmy will cost that much. His current salary is of no consequence, that's why no one will trade for him.

As for Jimmy G and we are approaching kickoff this might be only opening and 11 games with a strong supporting cast might be something he views as far superior to being a clear cut backup all year or sitting on the sidelines hoping for a spot to open up.

No one traded for him because he had shoulder surgery and just started throwing a couple weeks ago.

Jimmy has stated flatly that he sees himself as an NFL starting QB.

There will be injuries. I could see him taking a break until one comes up before signing as a backup.

But it’s possible you’re right. I just don’t see it as realistic.

 

[Faust]

Mike Garafolo @MikeGarafolo

Deshaun Watson on why he accepted a settlement if he claims he’s innocent: “I’ve always been able to stand on my innocence and always said I never assaulted or disrespected anyone but at the same point I have to continue to push forward with my life and career.”

https://twitter.com/mikegarafolo/status/1560302728764588034?s=21

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I can’t believe his 1st game back will be against Houston.

Gee, I wonder if the NFL knew that ahead of time.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

So next order of business is do the Browns really try and roll with Jacoby for 11 games? Seems hard to believe. Obvious guy who will be linked to them is Jimmy G. I don't seem them trading for him but if he's cut hard to think they won't be interested, but would Jimmy rather wait and see what else opens up knowing he's walking into a situation he'll have the plug pulled him after 11 games?

I don’t see the Browns spending $$$$ on JimmyG the interim QB.

And if he’s cut, I doubt he’d want to sign there. What’s the incentive for JimmyG to go there? Play 11 then become a backup?

Just doesn’t make sense for the Browns financially or for JimmyG’s career path.

Last I checked, which was a few weeks ago, Browns have the most cap space in the league and I don't think Jimmy will cost that much. His current salary is of no consequence, that's why no one will trade for him.

As for Jimmy G and we are approaching kickoff this might be only opening and 11 games with a strong supporting cast might be something he views as far superior to being a clear cut backup all year or sitting on the sidelines hoping for a spot to open up.

No one traded for him because he had shoulder surgery and just started throwing a couple weeks ago.

Jimmy has stated flatly that he sees himself as an NFL starting QB.

There will be injuries. I could see him taking a break until one comes up before signing as a backup.

But it’s possible you’re right. I just don’t see it as realistic.

I wouldn’t be shocked if the NYG offered him a 2-3 year deal, giving the new regime time to find their guy in the draft.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

wouldn’t be shocked if the NYG offered him a 2-3 year deal, giving the new regime time to find their guy in the draft.

That seems like a more realistic scenario.

On another note, I finally figured out how to quote only the last response.

 

[Anarchy99]

So next order of business is do the Browns really try and roll with Jacoby for 11 games? Seems hard to believe. Obvious guy who will be linked to them is Jimmy G. I don't seem them trading for him but if he's cut hard to think they won't be interested, but would Jimmy rather wait and see what else opens up knowing he's walking into a situation he'll have the plug pulled him after 11 games?

I don’t see the Browns spending $$$$ on JimmyG the interim QB.

And if he’s cut, I doubt he’d want to sign there. What’s the incentive for JimmyG to go there? Play 11 then become a backup?

Just doesn’t make sense for the Browns financially or for JimmyG’s career path.

Last I checked, which was a few weeks ago, Browns have the most cap space in the league and I don't think Jimmy will cost that much. His current salary is of no consequence, that's why no one will trade for him.

As for Jimmy G and we are approaching kickoff this might be only opening and 11 games with a strong supporting cast might be something he views as far superior to being a clear cut backup all year or sitting on the sidelines hoping for a spot to open up.

No one traded for him because he had shoulder surgery and just started throwing a couple weeks ago.

Jimmy has stated flatly that he sees himself as an NFL starting QB.

There will be injuries. I could see him taking a break until one comes up before signing as a backup.

But it’s possible you’re right. I just don’t see it as realistic.

No one traded for Jimmy G because he's due $25 million this year and the Niners wanted a first or second round pick for him. No team would take on his salary AND give up a premium pick. Like Darnold, the only way he will get moved is for a late round pick and SF eating a chunk of his salary. Basically, it depends how much they want to pay for a draft pick. Or they can cut him and eat $2M against the cap.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

The Watson press conference is brutal.

 

[MAC_32]

So next order of business is do the Browns really try and roll with Jacoby for 11 games? Seems hard to believe. Obvious guy who will be linked to them is Jimmy G. I don't seem them trading for him but if he's cut hard to think they won't be interested, but would Jimmy rather wait and see what else opens up knowing he's walking into a situation he'll have the plug pulled him after 11 games?

I don’t see the Browns spending $$$$ on JimmyG the interim QB.

And if he’s cut, I doubt he’d want to sign there. What’s the incentive for JimmyG to go there? Play 11 then become a backup?

Just doesn’t make sense for the Browns financially or for JimmyG’s career path.

Last I checked, which was a few weeks ago, Browns have the most cap space in the league and I don't think Jimmy will cost that much. His current salary is of no consequence, that's why no one will trade for him.

As for Jimmy G and we are approaching kickoff this might be only opening and 11 games with a strong supporting cast might be something he views as far superior to being a clear cut backup all year or sitting on the sidelines hoping for a spot to open up.

The Browns have the most cap space in the league by a country mile, but they need it to roll over and add onto future iterations of the team. With an 11 game punishment I expect the Browns to be in on Jimmy, but I do not think trading for his current contract is on the table.

 

[zeeshan2]

Deshaun Watson previously apologized but now says: “I’ve always been able to stand on my innocence and always said I never assaulted or disrespected anyone but at the same point I have to continue to push forward with my life and career.”

https://twitter.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1560303167128076290

When asked about people's reaction to Watson still claiming his innocence: "I have to do what is best for Deshaun Watson at the end of the day."

https://twitter.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1560304228979064834

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

No one traded for Jimmy G because he's due $25 million this year and the Niners wanted a first or second round pick for him.

It was both. No team was going to take on that salary and/or pay a 2nd (reportedly they were never asking for a 1st) without knowing if he could throw.

But yes, the financials also impacted the scenario.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Deshaun Watson previously apologized but now says: “I’ve always been able to stand on my innocence and always said I never assaulted or disrespected anyone but at the same point I have to continue to push forward with my life and career.”

https://twitter.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1560303167128076290

Exonerating himself in his press conference while paying off dozens of women & bargaining with the NFL for 11 / $5m is peak Deshaun Watson.

 

[MAC_32]

It makes sense for Watson to keep it at 11 games. He needed 6 games to get a year of service time in.

Yep, which is why the Browns contract games narrative was always total nonsense.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I expect the Browns to be in on Jimmy, but I do not think trading for his current contract is on the table.

Agreed. The challenge there is that Jimmy may not want to sign up for an 11 game audition for his next team. I suppose if all other avenues are exhausted, maybe. But it seems unlikely based on his past statements.

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

With this ruling, I believe Deshaun Watson is still allowed to practice with the team until the start of the season and play in preseason games, and, if I am not mistaken, he can return to practice after Week 6, so we will see if he can shake the rust off.

Yes. I believe a full year suspension means you can't practice, play in pre-season. Short of that, I think the player can participate until the regular season starts.

 

[Buckna]

So 11 games means he'll miss:
@ Carolina
vs Jets
vs Steelers
@ Falcons
vs Chargers
vs Patriots
@ Ravens
vs Bengals
Bye - Week 9
@ Dolphins
@ Bills
vs Buccaneers

So half of their divisional games, half their NFC games, and 12 total weeks since the Bye is sandwiched in there. Will get to play in:

@ Texans
@ Bengals
vs Ravens
vs Saints
@ Commanders
@ Steelers

I am guessing something between 4-7 to 6-5 when Watson comes back if they roll with Jacoby. Could still get to 9 or 10 wins by year-end, a few x-factor teams in there we don't know how good/bad they are at the moment.

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

The Watson press conference is brutal.

No kidding.

"I apologize to everyone"

Oh, that seems sincere.