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The NFL world is waiting to find out whether Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will be allowed to play in the 2022-23 season.
Watson is dealing with a series of sexual misconduct allegations, some of which have been settled. Regardless, Watson's standing with fans has never been poorer. He will undoubtedly serve some type of suspension in 2022, but he won't be the only NFL superstar to do so.
The NFL is a brand that is acutely aware of its standing in the sports world. To keep television ratings high and advertising rates at a premium, the league needs to show consumers that it cares about the actions of players.
While it isn't always easy to see the logic in its moves, the NFL isn't afraid to suspend key players, no matter their stature in the league.
On that note, here are three players who will serve suspensions in the 2022-23 season:
#1 Calvin Ridley - Atlanta Falcons
Calvin Ridley is one of football's best young wide receivers, whose partnership with tight end Kyle Pitts could have made the Atlanta Falcons a team to be reckoned with next season.
However, the duo will have to wait another year to play together, after Ridley was suspended for the 2022-23 season. Ridley was suspended for betting on NFL games (a total of $1500) and the punishment here does not seem to fit the relataviely small crime.
The NFL and gambling go hand-in-hand and Ridley was found to not have any inside information.
#2 DeAndre Hopkins - Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are in turmoil thanks to their relationship with quarterback Kyler Murray. Adding to the Cardinals' woes is the fact that their star receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, will miss the first six games of the 2022-23 season because of a PED suspension.
Hopkins and the team are still trying to figure out exactly what went wrong, with the receiver denying taking any kind of illegal supplement. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury will be in the hot seat in 2022 and not having one of the best in the game for the first six games won't help his cause.
#3 Alvin Kamara - New Orleans Saints
One of the most prolific runners and catchers in the league today, Alvin Kamara will miss six games this coming season due to a battery charge stemming from last year's Pro Browl weekend.
Kamara and the Saints will be heading into their first season without head coach Sean Payton. While we don't know exactly when the six-game suspension will start, not having Kamara's talents on the field will hurt the Saints' chances in a competitive NFC.
