BEREA, Ohio – Midfielder Deshaun Watson come back Cleveland Browns‘training facility on Monday.
Watson violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy by sexually assaulting massage therapists, as defined by the NFL. He is serving an 11-match suspension but can now attend team meetings, meet personally with coaches and practice at the team’s facilities.
“We’ll be working through what we’re allowed to do with him for the foreseeable future,” said Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, who spoke to Watson early Monday morning. “He’s in the boardroom with our boys. … It’s been great for him and for us to let him back with his teammates.”
Watson can’t practice with the team until November 14. He won’t be eligible to play again until Week 13, when the Browns meet his former team, Houston Texason December 4th.
As of August 30, Watson has been barred from contacting Browns coaches or entering the practice facility. He is training privately with his personal quarterback coach, Quincy Avery.
“He’s in a good position,” Stefanski said. “I think he worked really hard, was [Cleveland], is working locally, making sure he stays on top physically. So now he just needs to catch up a bit in the boardroom. “
On August 18, the NFL and NFL Players Association reached an agreement to have Watson suspended for 11 games, after he was accused by more than two dozen women of sexual assault and sexual misconduct. exercise during massage sessions. Watson was also fined $5 million and had to undergo a mandatory treatment program.
Over the course of the summer, Watson agreed to settle 23 of the 24 lawsuits brought against him. Two other women filed criminal charges against Watson but did not sue him.
Two large juries in Texas declined to pursue criminal charges against Watson earlier this year. But Sue L. Robinson, an independent referee co-appointed by the league and the players’ union, found that “the NFL bears its burden to prove, the evidence prevails, that Mr. Watson participated in the attack. sex work.” Robinson also concluded in his report that Watson’s behavior was both “severe” and “predatory”.
Watson has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and says people are not interested in hearing his story.
“I will continue to defend my innocence, just because, you know, settlements and things like that happen doesn’t mean a person is guilty of anything,” he said. August 18, after the settlement. “I feel like someone who has a chance to stand on my innocence and prove it, and we’ve proven it from a legal perspective, and will continue to push forward as individuals and children.” People.”
The Browns traded with Watson in March, giving the Texans three first-round draft picks. Cleveland also awarded Watson a new five-year, $230 million guaranteed contract, the richest contract in NFL history.
Cleveland (2-3) facing New England Patriots on Sunday.
