Browns owner Jimmy Haslam bizarrely tries to deflect questions about QB's suspension 

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Browns owner Jimmy Haslam noticeably deflected questions about Deshaun Watson's latest suspension.

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The murky situation surrounding Watson's suspension finally came to a resolution on Thursday with the NFL and the NFPLA coming to an agreement.

In a statement, the league announced that the Cleveland Browns QB will be suspended for 11 games, nearly doubling his initial six-game suspension. Deshaun Watson was also handed a $5 million fine as part of the agreement.

The Cleveland Browns held a press conference in the wake of the suspension, with the franchise once again throwing its weight behind the quarterback.

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Jimmy Haslam fielded questions at a press conference and fiercely backed his quarterback despite the barrage of sexual misconduct allegations leveled against him.

“I think in this country and hopefully in the world, people deserve second chances. I really think that.”

Before he could be asked another pressing question about the suspension, Haslam went on to add:

“And I struggle a little bit — is [Watson] never supposed to play again? Is he never supposed to be part of society? Does he get no chance to rehabilitate himself?"
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Haslam's words did not go down well with NFL Twitter as fans blasted the Browns owner for his callous views.

Warning: NSFW Language

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In a statement explaining the rationale behind bumping Deshaun Watson's suspension up to 11 games, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said:

"Deshaun has committed to doing the hard work on himself that is necessary for his return to the NFL. This settlement requires compliance with a professional evaluation and treatment plan, a significant fine, and a more substantial suspension."
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The league also announced that Watson's $5 million fine will go into a fund in addition to $1 million donated by the NFL and the Cleveland Browns respectively. The fund will go towards supporting non-profit organizations dedicated to educating young people on healthy relationships, sexual misconduct, and related causes.

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Deshaun Watson's previous suspension required him to get all of his massage therapy appointments with club-licensed therapists. As part of the terms of his 11-game suspension, however, Watson must undergo an evaluation by behavioral experts, followed by a treatment program.

Deshaun Watson is eligible to return to the Browns' facility on October 10. While he will miss the first 11 games of the regular season, he will be eligible for reinstatement on November 28. He will then be available for selection in Week 12 to face his old team, the Houston Texans, in Texas.

Cleveland Browns Nation! Check out the latest Cleveland Browns Schedule and dive into the Browns Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

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Edited by Nicolaas Ackermann
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