The Cleveland Browns hope that they have some certainty with QB Deshaun Watson now that Judge Sue Robinson has rendered her decision. The six-game suspension could be appealed by the NFL leading to a stronger punishment.
For now, Watson will miss the first six games of the 2022 season returning to practice with the team in Week 4 of the season. QB Jacoby Brissett will run the show until Watson returns.
While the NFLPA, in conjunction with Watson, released a statement last night that they would not appeal Robinson’s decision, we have not heard from the quarterback in a month and a half. It has been even longer since we heard from ownership. Monday, Dee and Jimmy Haslam released a statement:
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 1, 2022
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The Haslams’ statement is in line with the last time they spoke shortly after Watson’s arrival in Cleveland.
While the Haslams’ statement notes Watson is “remorseful,” the quarterback has denied that he has done anything wrong in the situation:
The last time we heard from Deshaun Watson was on June 14 when he said: “Like I said, I never assaulted anyone. I never harassed anyone. I never disrespected anyone. I never forced anyone to do anything.”
At what point has he expressed any public remorse? https://t.co/l9HZ8nvKtL
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 1, 2022
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Outside of the completion of the investigation, nothing has changed since the Browns acquired Watson. The organization was behind the move and the player at that time and, seemingly, will continue to be moving forward.
Fans, on the other hand, have not been in lockstep with the organization with many opposing Watson as a member of the team.
According to the public relations department, we will hear from both the Haslams and GM Andrew Berry after the appeals process, if the NFL decides to appeal.