"I would expect that there will be repercussions" - NFL analyst claims league will be harsh on Deshaun Watson despite mass lawsuit settlement

News of Deshaun Watson's potential suspension has dominated NFL headlines in recent days. According to one NFL anaylst, the league will likely hand down a severe punishment to the Cleveland Browns quarterback.

Watson has settled 20 of the 24 civil lawsuits filed against him for sexual misconduct. BUt he could still be punished by the league for his actions. On his Business of Sports podcast, Andrew Brandt discussed the quarterback's situation:

“Deshaun Watson, I know we talked about a lot we got to keep talking about it. Because today again, news comes out of this. Where 20 of the 24 lawsuits have been settled. This comes from Watson's attorney Tony Buzbee, four plaintiffs have held out they're not going to settle, including, it's been identified Ashley Solis, who was on HBO Real Sports, who is one of the first if not the first, plaintiff, and she is wanting her day in court.”

Brandt concluded by saying that despite settling the majority of the cases, there will be consequences for the quarterback:

“Now, I think the one thing we have to know right away is this will not in any way affect discipline by the NFL, and it shouldn't. And as soon as I tweeted this, the NFL tweeted this, this will not affect discipline. And it shouldn't. This is legal. And yes, there are no criminal charges… But I would expect that there will be repercussions.”

To Brandt’s point, NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy recently stated that the settlement has no bearing on what's to come:

“Today’s development has no impact on the collectively bargained disciplinary process.”

Could Deshaun Watson miss the entire 2022 season?

Cleveland Browns Offseason Workout

It is within the realm of possibility that the NFL will suspend the Cleveland quarterback for the entire 2022 season. According to the Washington Post, the NFL is seeking a “significant” suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

The Browns traded for Watson this offseason while he was still facing over two dozen civil lawsuits and subsequently gave him a five-year, $230 million contract. The $230 million is fully guaranteed.

It looks as if we should be getting a decision on the quarterback by sometime around the week of July 11. That is when both sides hearing briefs are due. Losing the star quarterback could cost the Browns to miss the playoffs again. They have a dominant ground game, and with a passer like Watson, defenses would have to fear both aspects on offense. If Watson is out defenses can load the box and key on Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.

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If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Business of Sports podcast, Washington Post, and H/T Sportskeeda.