NFL Suspends Deshaun Watson for Six Games

Troubled NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson will be suspended after all, but it may not be for as many games some would have expected.  After rumors that that the NFL favored an indefinite suspension of Watson for violating the conduct policy of the League after the quarterback was entangled in sexual assault allegations, the NFL ultimately ruled that Watson will only get suspended for six games.

The ruling was granted by NFL Disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson

Should Watson serve the suspension at the start of the season, he would be eligible to return to the field when the Cleveland Browns play the Baltimore Raves in Week 7 on October 23.

That means Watson will not be in the Browns lineup when the New York Jets come to town in Week 2.

According to ESPN, "Robinson's comprehensive 15-page conclusion stated that though Watson violated the personal conduct policy, there was not enough evidence to justify an indefinite suspension."

Watson was in hot water after 25 women accused him of sexual misconduct for incidents when he was a member of the Houston Texans. One case was dropped in April of 2021 when a judge ruled that the plaintiffs needed to amend their petitions to disclose their names. Earlier this year, 20 of the 24 remaining lawsuits were settled. And according to ESPN, three of the four remaining lawsuits have recently been settled.

The decision by Robinson has not sat well with many fans and pundits on social media, many claiming the final penalty is too light. Others have blasted the NFL for suspending Watson for only six games while Calvin Ridley got suspended for an entire season for gambling.