NFL Rumors: League insider delves into details of NFL Statement regarding Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson and his legal team recently met with the NFL and the NFLPA. This was in an attempt to soften the punishment that could be handed down by the league after 24 allegations of sexual misconduct were brought against the Cleveland quarterback.

The league has stated that it plans on following the disciplinary process laid out in the Collective Bargaining Agreement established with the NFLPA.

NFL insider Josina Anderson of CBS Sports revealed that the league released a statement pertaining to Watson’s settlement of 20 of the 24 cases to protect itself from counter arguments.

"It occurred to me the NFL’s statement asserting Deshaun Watson’s civil settlements will have 'no impact on the collectively bargained disciplinary process'—released two days before learning pre-arbitration negotiations ‘fell apart’—was to help gird it from counter-arguments b-t-s."

Formerly with the Houston Texans, Watson requested a trade at the start of the 2021 offseason. Just weeks later, the first reports of sexual misconduct came to light.

Watson sat out for the entire season but, over the course of the past year, more and more allegations were brought against him.

Despite his legal issues, Watson was a coveted player in the offseason. It was the Cleveland Browns who eventually managed to snap him up, giving the quarterback a massive deal and alienating Baker Mayfield in the process.

Deshaun Watson may face shorter suspension than a gambler

Deshaun Watson continued to profess his innocence and suggested that every act performed was consensual and nothing illegal took place. Despite these claims, a settlement was finally reached with 20 of the accusers.

The other four lawsuits may eventually be settled as well. In the meantime, the NFL has run its own investigation and will hand down a suspension based on their agreement with the NFLPA. The NFL has a code of conduct it expects players to follow and Watson will be punished for breaching those rules.

Alvin Kamara, who was involved in an altercation at a Las Vegas nightclub that could lead to felony assault charges, was hit with a six-game suspension.

A six-game suspension was also given to DeAndre Hopkins for using performance-enhancing drugs. The most severe of punishments, a one-year suspension, was handed to Calvin Ridley for betting on football games.

Most believe Watson could face a one-year suspension, but that may be bargained down to six or 10 games. A decision is expected in the next week and nothing is guaranteed.