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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been under investigation for quite some time, following 24 sexual misconduct lawsuits filed against him. However, there may be a conclusion to the saga soon.
Watson was originally hit with 24 lawsuits, but that number went down to four after he reached settlements with 20 of the women.
Watson had a hearing with the NFL that concluded Thursday night. There is no expected timeframe for when the league will reveal its punishment.
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CBS Sports put out two good scenarios regarding what to expect:
1. No suspension. If Robinson decides Watson did NOT violate the personal conduct policy, then she can simply rule that Watson doesn't deserve to be suspended. If that happens, then the quarterback would be free to play the entire 2022 season for the Browns.
This seems like the least likely scenario, but the NFLPA is going to try and make it happen by arguing that Watson's punishment should be proportional to the punishments that have recently been handed out to several owners, who are also supposed to follow the personal conduct policy.
Watson's side is expected to point out that Robert Kraft didn't get suspended for his alleged incident at a massage parlor and that Jerry Jones never got punished, even though the Cowboys were admittedly involved in a voyeurism scandal that ended with their top PR guy unexpectedly retiring.
2. Watson gets suspended. If Robinson rules that Watson DID violate the personal conduct policy, then that means the quarterback will definitely be getting suspended. Although the NFL is pushing for an indefinite suspension of Watson that would last, at least, one year, Robinson doesn't necessarily have to follow that suggestion. The judge will be free to suspend Watson for whatever length she sees fit.
Following the news, a lawyer representing all 24 women, released the following statement via CBS News:
"Today I announce that all cases against Deshaun Watson, with the exception of four, have settled. We are working through the paperwork related to those settlements," Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, who is representing all 24 women, said in a statement. "Once we have done so, those particular cases will be dismissed. The terms and amounts of the settlements are confidential. We won't comment further on the settlements or those cases."
The Cleveland Browns will likely turn to Jacoby Brissett if Deshaun Watson is suspended
If Watson is suspended by the NFL, the Browns will likely turn to backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Brissett signed with the team this offseason.
Brissett played for the Dolphins last season in five games when Tua Tagovailoa was hurt. He may get an opportunity to start for an extended amount of time if Watson is suspended and the team trades Baker Mayfield.
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If you use any quotes, please credit CBS Sports and H/T Sportskeeda.
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