Mike Florio questions NFL's timing after Deshaun Watson and Stephen Ross suspensions

After a long and detailed investigation by the NFL, Deshaun Watson was given a six-game suspension for his sexual assault allegations. Though criminal charges were dropped, the former Houston Texans quarterback was facing civil suits but settled twenty of the twenty-four from women who accused him of sexual misconduct during massage sessions.

Just one day later, the investigation into the Miami Dolphins, which stemmed from accusations of tampering and throwing games from former head coach Brian Flores, wrapped up. The result was a six-game suspension for Dolphins owner Stephen Ross for tampering. On top of the owner’s suspension and fine, the Dolphins will also forfeit their 2023 first-round draft selection and their 2024 third-round selection.

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio is convinced the timing of the punishment for Ross is more than a little coincidental. In fact, he thinks it’s a clear effort to distract the media and divert attention away from the quarterback. Florio believes it's not a coincidence how Ross gets suspended for tampering but nothing for tanking. This happening the day after the Cleveland Browns quarterback ruling.

As for Ross, the six-game suspension and $1.5 million fine hardly seems like a severe punishment. As Florio pointed out, his time away from the team will not affect the amount of money gained in ticket sales and TV revenue, which far outweighs the fine.

The tampering findings concerned quarterback Tom Brady, while still with the New England Patriots, and former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton. Apparently, Ross tried to convince the two to join the Dolphins over the course of the 2019 season.

Watson will hope Browns can stay afloat for the first six games

Watson, now with the Cleveland Browns, is set to serve the six-game suspension handed to him by Judge Sue L. Robinson. In the meantime, backup Jacoby Brissett will fill in, leaving the offense in more than capable hands before the former Houston Texan's return. This will be Brissett's fourth team in the NFL and Cleveland will be hoping he can build some momentum while the hig is out.

The Browns are loaded with weapons on offense and have a top-rated defense. If Brissett can manage to get two or three wins under his belt while the former Houston Texan is gone, the Browns could still be in good shape.