Will The NFL Suspend Watson?
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The NFL is currently investigating Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson over allegations of sexual misconduct. If the NFL decides to suspend Watson, it would have a major impact on the Texans’ season.
The NFL’s Process
Under the personal conduct policy, the NFL has the right to suspend players with or without pay. The NFL has a three-step process when it comes to investigating and suspending players. The first step is to gather information and evidence. The second step is to interview the player, and the third step is to make a decision.
The NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy
The NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy applies to all players, coaches, other members of an organization’s staff, game officials, and any other person that the league has determined is a “[representative]” of the NFL.
The Personal Conduct Policy was implemented in 2007 in an effort to bring more consistency to the league’s punishment process and to ensure that everyone is treated equally. The policy covers a wide range of behaviors, including but not limited to domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other forms of illegal violence.
Violations of the Personal Conduct Policy can result in a suspension from the league for a minimum of six games up to a lifetime ban. The length of the suspension is determined by a variety of factors, including the severity of the offense, whether the player has been previously disciplined by the league, and whether the player cooperates with the investigation.
In recent years, the NFL has come under fire for its handling of several high-profile domestic violence cases involving players. In response to these criticisms, the league has made several changes to its policies and procedures surrounding domestic violence incidents.
If you have been accused of violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate this complex process.
The NFL’s investigation into Watson
The NFL’s investigation into Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is ongoing, and the league has not yet made a decision on whether or not to suspend him.
Watson is accused of sexual misconduct by 22 women, who have filed lawsuits against him. The NFL launched an investigation into the allegations last month, and Watson has denied any wrongdoing.
The NFL has not set a timetable for its investigation, but it is possible that Watson could be suspended if the league finds that he violated its personal conduct policy.
The Allegations Against Watson
Houston Texans Quarterback Deshaun Watson is facing numerous lawsuits alleging sexual assault and misconduct. These lawsuits span from June 2020 to present day, with more possibly on the way. If the NFL were to suspend Watson, it would be a heavy blow to the Texans organization.
The civil lawsuits
Deshawn Watson is being sued by 22 women who allege that the Houston Texans quarterback sexually assaulted them during massage sessions. The lawsuits, filed inHarris County, Texas, allege that Watson assaulted the women between June 2017 and March 2020.
Watson has denied the allegations, saying that all of his massages were consensual. He has also accused the women of attempting to “extort” him for money.
The NFL is investigating the allegations against Watson, and if they find that he violated the league’s personal conduct policy, he could be suspended or even banned from the league.
The criminal investigation
The Houston Police Department (HPD) formally launched a criminal investigation into Watson on March 16, 2021. The announcement came one day after a second woman filed a lawsuit against Watson, alleging that he sexually assaulted her during a massage session in 2020.
As of March 25, 2021, a total of 22 women had filed lawsuits against Watson, ranging in alleged dates of assault from March 2020 to November 2020. 19 of the women have remained anonymous, while three have chosen to go public with their identities.
The plaintiffs have accused Watson of sexual assault and/or sexual harassment during massage sessions, in some cases alleging that he forced them to perform oral sex on him. One woman has accused Watson of rape.
On April 2, 2021, it was revealed that the HPD had searched Watson’s house as part of the criminal investigation.
The Potential Outcome
The NFL is currently investigating Houston Texans Quarterback Deshaun Watson for sexual assault allegations. If the NFL were to find Watson guilty, they would most likely suspend him for a significant amount of time. This would be a huge blow to the Texans, who would then have to rely on backup QB AJ McCarron.
A suspension
The NFL has not yet made a decision on whether to suspend Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. However, if Watson is suspended, it is possible that he could miss the entire 2021 season. This would be a devastating blow to the Texans, who have already lost star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals.
No suspension
The NFL has yet to announce any plans to suspend Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, despite sexual assault allegations against the star player.
While the league investigates the accusations, Watson has continued to play and has led the Texans to a 2-0 record so far this season.
Watson has denied the allegations against him, and his attorney has said that the quarterback is innocent.
The NFL has not announced when or if it will suspend Watson, but it is unlikely that the league will take any action against the player before its investigation is complete.