NFL Browns' Watson banned six games over sexual misconduct claims / Photo: Nick Cammett - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File
-
South Korea's 'dismal' World Cup ends in group phase
-
England top group to set up DR Congo World Cup clash, Portugal held
-
Colombia and Portugal through to World Cup last 32 after thrilling draw
-
England moving on at World Cup but questions linger
-
Wissa sends DR Congo into World Cup last 32 clash with England
-
Venezuela quakes kill 1,400 as time running out to find survivors
-
A painful wait by a pile of rubble in quake-hit Venezuela
-
Australia World Cup goalkeeper Patrick Beach has beach named after him
-
Tuchel delighted to have Bellingham in 'sweet spot' for England at World Cup
-
Take brutally hot weather seriously, heatstroke survivor warns
-
Bellingham says 'job done' but England must improve at World Cup
-
Australia boosts shark-spotting drone coverage at Sydney beaches
-
Trump threatens to annihilate Iran after new exchange of attacks
-
Scotland boss Clarke resigns after World Cup exit confirmed
-
Scotland boss Clarke resigns after World Cup exit confirmed: official
-
Kane, Bellingham on target as England win World Cup group
-
Kane, Bellingham on target as England clinch top spot
-
Croatia battle past Ghana to sew up World Cup Last 32 spot
-
Bellingham, Kane score as England beat Panama to reach World Cup last 32
-
US, Iran clash, putting fragile deal under growing strain
-
Canada's Davies 'available' for historic knockout clash
-
Ryu takes one-shot lead over Henderson at Women's PGA Championship
-
Hovland seizes one-shot PGA Travelers lead over Scheffler
-
Jangoo and Chase put West Indies in control against Sri Lanka
-
Mauvaka double inspires Toulouse to fourth-straight Top 14 in storm-impacted final
-
World Cup star Gakpo requests privacy after death of unborn son
-
Solidarity, sadness among Venezuelans made destitute by quake
-
Aid planes landing at partially reopened Venezuela airport after quakes
-
Iran says US violated peace deal as both sides attack
-
Spain's Williams hits out at Uruguay over World Cup injury
-
'We need help': Venezuelans furious at slow official response to quakes
-
World's largest particle smasher halts for upgrade to boost hunt for dark matter
-
Venus Williams relishes 'very special' Wimbledon reunion with sister Serena
-
Ex-Olympic medallist Canderloro elected French Ice Sports chief
-
Ravindra leads New Zealand rally in England finale after Archer's double strike
-
Prince Harry and family to stay at royal residences on UK visit
-
Wimbledon 'towel thief' Swiatek back on the trophy hunt
-
'Why not?': Cape Verde eye seismic World Cup shock against Argentina
-
Venezuela earthquake deaths near 1,000, with millions more in need
-
Russell snatches controversial pole in Austria after Verstappen crash
-
French Open champs head to Wimbledon wrestling with new-found status
-
Davidovich Fokina wins in Mallorca for first ATP title
-
Budapest Pride marchers push for equality after reversed ban
-
Sabalenka urges Grand Slams to 'get it done' in prize money boycott row
-
Russell snatches pole, Antonelli fourth for Austria GP grid
-
Russell snatches pole as Verstappen, Antonelli fourth for Austria GP grid
-
Broos smiles and snarls before South Africa's historic World Cup match
-
Smith and supersub Foulkes strike for New Zealand in England finale
-
Newborn baby rescued from rubble of Venezuela quake
-
Supersub Foulkes strike for New Zealand in England finale
NFL Browns' Watson banned six games over sexual misconduct claims
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was issued a six-game ban Monday by NFL disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson after she investigated sexual misconduct allegations against the player.
The league has three days to appeal for a tougher punishment against Watson, the former Houston Texans star who was traded to Cleveland in March and signed an NFL record five-year guaranteed deal worth $230 million.
The NFL Players Association said on Sunday it would not appeal former US District Court Judge Robinson's verdict on Watson violating the league's personal conduct policy.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, or his designated appointee, will make a final decision on appeal, but the league could be looking at a long court fight with the NFL Players Association heading into next month's start of the 2022 campaign if it seeks harsher punishment.
The NFL Network and league website announced the suspension details.
Robinson issued a 15-page finding after arguments in late June from the league, the union and Watson's lawyers in a three-day hearing on five cases presented by the NFL.
Watson has been accused of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage sessions in civil lawsuits filed by 25 women.
The incidents took place between March 2020 and March 2021 while he was with the Texans.
No criminal charges were brought against Watson, who has maintained his innocence. One of the lawsuits was dropped, Watson settled 20 more and four remain are set to go to trial.
The Texans reached settlements with 30 women who were prepared to make claims against the club for its alleged role in enabling Watson's behavior.
Watson, who led the NFL in 2020 with 4,823 passing yards, missed the entire 2021 season under the "non-injury/personal matter" category of the league's collective bargaining agreement.
The Browns said they conducted an "extensive" investigation into the allegations against Watson before signing the quarterback to a long-term deal, knowing he faced the possibility of a long ban to begin the 2022 season.
Watson, 26, reported to Browns pre-season training camp last week. The three-time Pro Bowl all-star will be replaced at quarterback by Jacoby Brissett during the suspension, Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski said.
A.Moore--AT
