 Deshaun Watson Settles 20 of 24 Civil Lawsuits
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has reached confidential settlements with 20 of the 24 women who have filed civil lawsuits alleging he committed sexual misconduct during massage sessions. The settlements are reportedly worth $230 million. Watson has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
The lawsuits against Watson first came to light in March 2021. The women accused Watson of a variety of misconduct, including exposing himself, touching them inappropriately, and forcing them to perform oral sex. Watson has denied all allegations, and his lawyers have said that the encounters were consensual.
The NFL is still investigating Watson under its personal conduct policy. If Watson is found to have violated the policy, he could face a suspension from the league.
The settlements with the 20 women are a significant development in the case. However, it is important to note that Watson has not admitted any wrongdoing. The settlements are also confidential, so it is not known what specific allegations were made against Watson or what terms were agreed upon in the settlements.
The NFL's investigation into Watson is ongoing. It is possible that the league could still discipline Watson even if he has settled with the women who have accused him of misconduct.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the settlement:
- It is a significant development in the case, but it does not mean that Watson is innocent.
- The NFL's investigation is still ongoing, and it is possible that Watson could still be disciplined by the league.
- The settlements are confidential, so it is not known what specific allegations were made against Watson or what terms were agreed upon.
What does this mean for Watson's future?
It is still too early to say what this means for Watson's future. The NFL's investigation is ongoing, and it is possible that Watson could still be disciplined by the league. However, the settlements with the 20 women could help to reduce the likelihood of a suspension.
Watson is still under contract with the Browns for the 2023 season. He is scheduled to make $1 million in base salary and $46 million in roster bonus. It is possible that the Browns could trade Watson, but it is also possible that they could keep him and hope that he can help the team win.
What does this mean for the NFL?
The NFL has been under fire for its handling of sexual misconduct allegations in the past. The settlements with the 20 women could put pressure on the league to take a more proactive approach to addressing sexual misconduct in the future.
The NFL has said that it is committed to providing a safe and respectful workplace for all of its employees. The settlements with the 20 women are a test of whether the league is truly committed to that goal.