Former Texans QB Deshaun Watson to Meet With League On Potential Suspension
HOUSTON -- Former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has begun to meet with league officials on Tuesday to determine if he violated the personal conduct policy. The meeting will dictate if Watson is set to be disciplined by the league in terms of suspension for the upcoming season.
The news was first reported by ESPN. The meetings are believed to involve Watson, his staff and the NFL investigative team led by Lisa Friel.
Watson, who was traded to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for six draft picks in March, is still being investigated by the league to determine if he violated its conduct policy. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback is facing 22 civil lawsuits of sexual misconduct and sexual assault from women who have accused him of inappropriate behavior during massage sessions.
© Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Two grand juries in Texas elected to not indict Watson on criminal charges following a trial earlier this offseason. Watson has denied all wrongdoing and has said he will continue to fight to clear his name of all charges.
“I understand these allegations are serious. I never assaulted any woman. I’ve never disrespected any woman,” Watson said at his introductory press conference in Cleveland. “I was raised to be genuine and to respect everyone around me. … I’ve never done the things that these people are alleging.”
Prior to waiving his no-trade clause, Watson agreed to a new deal with the Browns worth $230 million in fully guaranteed money. He will be under contract in Cleveland through the 2026 season.
Where Does Texans’ Lovie Smith Rank Among NFL Coaches?
Houston Texans’ head coach Lovie Smith’s place among his NFL peers has been set, according to a recent ranking from CBS Sports.
Backup QB Rankings: Kyle Allen 'Threat' to Davis Mills for Texans?
Allen is set to backup the Texans' young quarterback project this season
Jalen Pitre Plus: Who'll Be Texans 'Other' Starting Safety?
Jalen Pitre likely will start Week 1, but who is his running mate at safety?
Which Texans Player is Most 'Underrated'?
One player put up top-10 numbers in 2021, though isn't considered among the best at his position
Happy Birthday, America's Sports: 246 Reasons to Love Houston's Games and Those Who Play Them
On this Fourth of July, let's celebrate every Texan from David Carr to Davis Mills.
Pep in the Step: Does Texans Coach Have Formula for QB Davis Mills?
Pep Hamilton's new role as offensive coordinator has the Texans offense excited for the upcoming season.
'Always Had Hope': Texans Ex Culley Reveals View on QB Deshaun Watson
Davis Culley was never willing to give up on Deshaun Watson playing quarterback for the Houston Texans in 2021
Power Outage: Is Jack Easterby About Done with Houston Texans?
John McClain speculated that this might be Easterby's final season with the Texans.
A former prosecutor in New York, Friel has been heading the investigation since the start for the league office. According to ESPN, once the investigation is complete, former U.S. District Court Judge Sue Robinson, a disciplinary officer who was appointed by the league and NFL Players Association, will decide if Watson violated any of the conduct policies and will report the findings to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Goodell will have the final say on if Watson will miss time at the start of the season and the longevity of the suspension.
Carmen Mandato / Staff
Carmen Mandato / Staff
Kevin Jairaj-USA Today
"We’re taking it very seriously," Goodell told ESPN last month. "Our investigators are working on that. … There’s no timetable on it. … The investigation is still ongoing."
Watson last played for Houston in 2020, leading the franchise to a 4-12 record. He did, however, lead the league in passing with 4,823 yards while setting a Texans' single-season record in touchdowns with 33.
The Texans return to practice for voluntary OTAs on Tuesday, May 24. The Browns begin their OTAs with or without Watson on May 24 as well.
