Deshaun Watson, cleared by 2nd Grand Jury, still faces potential fine and suspension
Former Clemson football quarterback Deshaun Watson has a new football home in Cleveland, but that doesn’t mean his troubles are behind him, or will be for the foreseeable future.
The newest Cleveland Browns quarterback was not indicted by a second grand jury in Texas last week, but still faces the prospect of twenty-two separate lawsuits back in Houston.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell laid out where the NFL is currently:
"“Our people are working on it. Obviously, these are serious charges, so we’re looking at this seriously,” Goodell said. “We now at least have resolutions from the criminal side of it. Obviously there are still civil charges that are still going on. So, our investigators will hopefully have more access to information. And that will be helpful obviously in getting to the conclusion of, ‘What are the facts’ and ‘Was there a violation of the personal conduct policy.’"
With the first trial not scheduled to begin until February or March of next year, Watson theoretically could be suspended the entire 2022 season, depending on the NFLs findings on the matter.
That obviously leaves the Browns in limbo, not knowing whether or not the quarterback they paid a king’s ransom for, and $230 million dollars to, will even see the field this season.
Ostensibly with 21 suits coming after the initial one next year, it appears this saga could drag on for years.
That said, the Browns expect Watson to participate in voluntary workouts scheduled to begin around the middle of April.
The allegations against Watson are serious and though two Texas Grand Juries declined to indict the Georgia native, the civil suits are a different matter entirely.
Despite proclaiming his innocence and his intention to continue to fight the lawsuits, one has to wonder how long Watson can defend himself and play at a level worthy of the contract he signed.
Civil suits are often settled without an admission of guilt, but that’s apparently an avenue Watson and his attorney’s are not interested in traverse at this point.