The Deshaun Watson outcome shows women where they stand in the NFL’s eyes
GuardianAug 19, 2022
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will be suspended 11 games and fined $5M as part of a settlement announced Thurs. with the National Football League (NFL) over allegations of sexual misconduct.
Watson had been suspended for six games by former US District Court Judge Sue Robinson on Aug. 1, however, the league appealed the ruling and sought a longer ban.
This 11-game suspension is far from what Watson deserves and shows that the NFL puts its star players above the safety of women and justice. Roger Goodell said he wanted Watson banned for at least a year, and the NFL commissioner had the power to do it, but instead, he let Watson off the hook with this measly settlement.
The NFL's disciplinary process is unfair as it doesn't have the same protections a normal investigation in a court of law does, which creates a presumption of guilt in public discourses. Watson hasn't been proven guilty - in fact, two seperate Texas grand juries declined to indict him - and until he is, he shouldn't be punished.