Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson eligible for reinstatement Monday, NFL says

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will be eligible to return to play in NFL games as early as Monday, a league spokesman said Sunday, following his suspension for violating its personal conduct policy. 

Watson, a former Houston Texans player, was suspended for 11 games without pay, fined $5million, and ordered to attend counseling following numerous allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Watson is accused by nearly two dozen women of sexual harassment and coercion. They claim that Watson participated in massage therapy sessions while he was with the Texans. Watson denied any wrongdoing. 

Watson’s last regular-season game was in January 2021. It has been nearly two years since he was last seen with the Texans. After being traded to the Browns in spring, he has complied with all terms of the August agreement between the NFL and him. Brian McCarthy, a league spokesperson, stated that Watson will make his planned return as scheduled. Watson will be eligible to face his former team in Houston on December 4.

McCarthy confirmed that Watson had resumed practice two weeks ago on Nov. 14th, and was allowed to use Browns’ facility in a “limited” capacity beginning last month.

“Watson returned to the team facility on a limited basis starting October 10, and was allowed to practice from November 14. McCarthy stated that today marks the end of his suspension. “Watson has so far met all requirements of the August agreement, which included evaluation by an NFL-certified evaluator.[NFL Players Association] Jointly appointed clinical professional and participation to a treatment program developed by behavioral experts. This is expected to continue after his return to the football field.

Watson had just settled in New York when he was traded from Texas to Browns. 23 out of 24 lawsuits Women brought allegations of sexual harassment and assault during sessions of massage therapy between 2020 and 2021. The Texans also A settlement was reached With 30 women

Watson denies any wrongdoing, however apologized In a televised interview, the woman he had impacted said publicly that he was sorry for what he did.

Watson admitted that she wanted to apologize to the women Watson had impacted by this situation. Watson said that the decisions I made in my past put me in this situation. However, she expressed regret and stated that she would like to be able to change her life.

After being traded, Watson signed an additional fully guaranteed five year contract worth $230million with the Browns.