Browns Quarterback Deshaun Watson Eligible To Practice With The Team
Per the agreed terms of his suspension, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is now eligible to return to practicing with the rest of his team according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Watson is preparing for his 2022 NFL season debut against his former team, the Houston Texans, in week 13. The quarterback has been permitted to return to the practice facilities since October 10th, but he could not partake in team activities.
During that time, Watson was allowed to attend meetings, meet with non-football staff members and personally meet with Head Coach Kevin Stefanski. He was also allowed to meet with quarterback coach Drew Petzing and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. During his suspension, Watson has been doing workouts with his personal coach Quincy Avery every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Week 13 will be Watson’s first game since the 2020 season. The quarterback was suspended for alleged sexual misconduct against several women. During the NFL’s investigation, the league learned that Watson had been accused civilly by more than twenty women of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. Of those 20+ women, ten officially filed police complaints.
Two grand juries decided not to recommend charges be brought against Watson. However, the NFL proceeded with its own internal investigation into the matter. The investigation against Watson led to the quarterback initially being suspended by the NFL’s disciplinary officer, Judge Sue L. Robinson. However, the NFL wanted Watson to serve a suspension longer than six-games and had been pushing for a one-year indefinite suspension. Ultimately, both parties came to a compromise. In addition to the suspension, Watson was fined $5 million.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said during a media conference that Watson has complied with all the conditions of his suspension. However, the quarterback is currently facing an additional civil suit with the accuser claiming he pressured her into performing oral sex on him during a therapy session. Stunning messages were released by Watson’s attorney in a court motion, which casts doubts on the allegations made by the accuser.
Yardbarker has more HERE.
Categorized:NFL The Latest
