Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s hearing in front of a disciplinary officer will begin on Tuesday, according to a report by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
The disciplinary officer, Sue Robinson, was jointly appointed by both the NFL and the NFLPA. The NFL has been investigating Watson’s personal conduct since last year. In the past year, 24 lawsuits have been filed against Watson alleging sexual misconduct. He recently settled 20 of the 24 lawsuits.
Pelissero noted that an indefinite suspension of Watson is likely. That would likely be a minimum of a year-long, but it could go even longer than that. There were disciplinary negotiations that were occurring, but those fell apart late last week.
In this case, the NFLPA has vowed to vigorously defend Watson against a lengthy suspension. However, it appears that the NFL has a set goal in mind, and will attempt to carry that out. With the hearing occurring on Tuesday, the resolution to the suspension guidelines should be known this week.
Meanwhile, lawsuits are being brought down against the Houston Texans in the case, as well. Tony Buzbee, who represented the 24 women who filed lawsuits against Watson, filed a lawsuit against the Texans on Monday.
“Today we filed the first case of what will likely be many against the Houston Texans related to Deshaun Watson’s behavior,” Buzbee said in a statement. “Suffice it to say, the overwhelming evidence collected indicating the Houston Texans enabled Watson’s behavior is incredibly damning. We believe the Texans knew or most certainly should have known of Watson’s conduct. Beyond that, we believe the filing speaks for itself.”
In a report by Jenny Vrentas of the New York Times, it was reported the Texans provided a venue for the massages that Watson wished for and furnished nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) as well. The NDAs, made by the head of security by the Texans, is the crux of the lawsuit that was brought against the Texans.