The Cleveland Browns and their newly acquired QB1 Deshaun Watson have been going through it for the past few months. From Watson being suspended 6 games to the NFL appealing the suspension.
It was announced earlier today that the NFL has suspended Deshaun Watson for 11 games and he has been fined $5 million. Both Watson and the NFLPA have agreed to settle and this is what the NFL has come up with.
“Watson’s fine and contributions from both the NFL and Browns of $1 million each will create a fund to support nonprofit organizations in the United States “that educate young people on healthy relationships, promote education and prevention of sexual misconduct and assault, support survivors, and related causes,” the NFL said in announcing the settlement. Watson’s suspension takes effect on Aug. 30, when NFL teams cut down to the roster limit of 53 players. He will be eligible for reinstatement on Nov. 28 and will be available to play for the Browns again in Week 13, when Cleveland faces his old team, the Houston Texans, on the road.” according to ESPN.com.
Did the Cleveland Browns see this coming?
When the Cleveland Browns traded for Deshaun Watson they knew that this situation was a possibility and they were prepared to take that risk if it meant getting a top quarterback.
Many fans around the league think that Watson should not be able to play at all this upcoming season and are sure to let him hear it when he finally does suit up in Houston.
Watson has stated multiple times that he enjoys Cleveland and he also said at one point he would like to spend the rest of his career here. Hopefully, the fans learn to love and accept him as he will be playing to win them and the city a Superbowl in the coming years.
Are the Browns contenders with Watson?
The Browns have made a big splash this off-season and are hoping to make the playoffs this year though that might be difficult without Watson until week 13 of the season.
Some of Watson’s fine will be going to a non-profit organization and Cleveland will be helping Deshaun to rebuild his brand and maybe regain some of the fans he jas lost. The only question is will it be too little too late for Watson?
All we can do is wait and see how his story plays out in Cleveland and it should be very interesting to see what happened when he finally suits up in his old home stadium.
Image Credits: Flickr.com.