Deshaun Watson: Cleveland Browns quarterback suspended for six games by NFL

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the NFL has suspended Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for six games. After not playing last season for the Houston Texans, Watson will miss another significant portion of a season in what should be the prime of his career.

“Former federal judge Sue L. Robinson has found that Deshaun Watson violated the personal conduct policy and has suspended him six games, per source,” tweeted Schefter.

The NFLPA announced on Sunday that it would not be appealing the decision, which was made by Judge Sue L. Robinson. They hope that the NFL does the same by standing by her ruling. The NFL, who was hoping for a longer suspension and a fine, now has three days to appeal the decision. Watson was also not issued any fine.

The NFL was investigating Watson after 24 different women accused him of sexual assault. As of June, 20 of the 24 cases were settled out of court, and Watson had not been criminally charged. Then, it was revealed the former Clemson star had settled three of the remaining four cases, according to their lawyer Tony Buzbee on Monday. Even so, the NFL felt the need to suspend Watson and have him miss some time.

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

After being traded from Houston, Watson signed a massive five-year, $230 million contract with Cleveland. The entire deal will be fully guaranteed, meaning he will receive just over $46 million a year. A certain clause was worked in there, though, as Watson’s minimum salary for the 2022 season was set at just over $1 million.

Cleveland is going to be in trouble, from a football perspective, at the quarterback position. After trading for Watson, they offloaded Baker Mayfield from their roster — trading the former Oklahoma star to the Carolina Panthers.

Originally, Mayfield was asked if he would return and possibly start a few games, but he said his relationship with the team that drafted him No. 1 overall is finished.

“I think it’s been pretty obvious the mutual decision on both sides is to move on,” he said. “I’m thankful for my four years in Cleveland. There’s a lot of ups and downs and a ton of learning experiences that I’ll forever keep with me. Teammates and friends and relationships that I’ll have for a lifetime. Just flew in last night from East Lansing, Michigan for Drew Stanton who is my mentor.

“He was a quarterback there in Cleveland when I got drafted. Just relationships like that, you’re so thankful for. The support staff in Cleveland, the people in Cleveland. It’s a great sports town. So I’m thankful for it. There’s no resentment toward the city of Cleveland by any means.”

Now, Cleveland is left with Jacoby Brissett, Joshua Dobbs and Josh Rosen at quarterback.

Cleveland was already facing an uphill battle in a tough NFC North division, where Cincinnati is fresh off a Super Bowl appearance. Not having a franchise quarterback certainly won’t help, even if Watson is only out for six games.

On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this article.