BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Cleveland beginning quarterback Deshaun Watson started serving his NFL suspension for alleged sexual misconduct Tuesday, a punishment that may maintain him away from the Browns till Oct. 10.
Watson, who was positioned on the reserve/suspended by commissioner listing earlier than apply, was noticed leaving the workforce’s facility and driving away somewhat after 3 p.m. EDT. He had been required to depart by 4 p.m. in accordance with the suspension he agreed to in a settlement with the league earlier this month.
The 26-year-old was accused of sexual assault and harassment by two dozen ladies throughout therapeutic massage remedy classes in Texas. He has settled 23 of the 24 lawsuits that have been filed in opposition to him by the ladies.
A 3-time Professional Bowler with Houston, Watson will miss 11 video games, pay a $5 million nice and should endure necessary remedy and counseling earlier than he might be reinstated. He’ll be eligible to play in Week 13 on the highway in opposition to the Texans.
Throughout his suspension, Watson will not be permitted to have any contact with Browns personnel.
Watson has at all times denied any wrongdoing, and he maintained his innocence shortly after agreeing to the settlement labored out between the NFL and NFL Gamers Affiliation following the league’s attraction of his unique six-game suspension.
So long as he abides by the league’s provisions, Watson will likely be allowed to return to the Browns’ coaching facility on Oct. 10, roughly midway via his suspension. He can resume apply Nov. 14 and be formally reinstated two weeks later.
Per league guidelines, when Watson comes again he’ll be permitted to obtain remedy from the workforce’s medical and athletic staffs. As a part of his settlement, any massages should be scheduled by the Browns and solely with club-mandated therapeutic massage therapists.
Whereas he’s away, Watson is predicted to work with a private quarterback’s coach. Watson performed in Cleveland’s first preseason recreation at Jacksonville, his first stay recreation motion since Jan. 3, 2001, after he sat out final season.
By the point he performs for the Browns, Watson may have not performed in a regular-season recreation in 700 days.
Jacoby Brissett has moved into Watson’s beginning spot and can attempt to maintain the Browns aggressive in the course of the suspension. Brissett, who has made 37 profession begins, will likely be backed up by Joshua Dobbs.
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