Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson might be eligible to return to play in NFL video games as early as Monday, a league spokesman stated Sunday, following his suspension for violating its private conduct coverage.
Watson, previously of the Houston Texans, was suspended with out pay for 11 video games, fined $5 million and required to endure counseling within the wake of quite a few sexual misconduct allegations in opposition to him. Roughly two dozen ladies have accused Watson of sexual harassment and coercion, which they are saying occurred in therapeutic massage remedy classes throughout his time with the Texans. Watson denied any wrongdoing.
His reinstatement comes practically two years after Watson final performed a regular-season recreation with the Texans in early January 2021. He was traded to the Browns this previous spring and, having complied with the phrases of the settlement established between him and the NFL in August, league spokesman Brian McCarthy stated he's anticipated to make his scheduled return as deliberate. Watson might be eligible to play in Houston in opposition to his former workforce on Dec. 4.
McCarthy confirmed that Watson already resumed working towards two weeks in the past, on Nov. 14, and was permitted to make use of the Browns' workforce facility in a "restricted" capability beginning final month.
"Watson was again on the workforce facility in a restricted foundation starting on October 10 after which was permitted to observe starting November 14. As we speak marks the ultimate recreation of his suspension," McCarthy stated. "Watson has up to now complied with the necessities set out within the August settlement, together with analysis by an NFL-[NFL Players Association] collectively appointed medical skilled and participation in a therapy program designed by behavioral consultants, and is predicted to proceed to take action following his return to the soccer area."
On the time when Watson was traded from the Texans to the Browns, the quarterback had just lately settled 23 of 24 lawsuits introduced by ladies alleging sexual harassment and assault throughout therapeutic massage remedy classes between 2020 and 2021. The Texans additionally reached a settlement with 30 ladies.
Watson has denied all wrongdoing, however apologized publicly "the ladies I've impacted" in a televised interview over the summer season, responding to impartial arbiter Sue L. Robinson's suggestion that the participant failed to indicate any regret for his alleged actions.
"Look, I wish to say that I am actually sorry to all the ladies that I've impacted on this scenario," Watson stated within the interview. "The selections that I made in my life that put me on this place I'd positively wish to have again, however I wish to proceed to maneuver ahead and develop and be taught and present that I'm a real particular person of character and I'm going to maintain pushing ahead."
Watson signed a brand new totally assured five-year, $230 million contract with the Browns after he was traded.