Monday December 4, 2023

Cleveland Browns’ Deshaun Watson Hit With 11-Game Ban, $5M Fine

  • Watson was originally suspended for six games earlier this month, a punishment the NFL appealed.
  • The settlement includes a behavioral evaluation and treatment.
Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson saw his suspension increased to 11 games as punishment for allegations of sexual misconduct.

Watson also accepted a $5 million fine and must undergo a professional behavioral evaluation and follow a treatment program — part of a deal announced Thursday between the NFL and NFLPA. 

While Watson apologized last week and again in a statement released by the Browns, he again told reporters after the settlement was announced that he “stood by [his] innocence” and that he “didn’t assault anyone or disrespected anyone.” 

Watson’s original six-game suspension was handed down earlier this month, which led the NFL to appeal the decision as it sought a ban of one year or longer. 

The settlement came before a decision was rendered on the NFL’s appeal. 

Breakdown of Settlement

Watson received a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million extension when he was acquired via a trade with the Houston Texans in March.

  • Watson’s base salary this season was $1 million, meaning that he will be out about $600,000
  • Factoring in the fine, Watson will lose about $5.6 millionroughly 2.4% of the total value of contract with the Browns.
  • Watson’s fine — along with $1 million each from the Browns and the NFL — will go toward a new fund aimed at efforts to prevent sexual assault and misconduct. 

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam told reporters Thursday that the team would “absolutely” have still made the deal despite the fallout.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nick Saban highest paid college football head coach.

Who Is Highest-Paid Coach in College Football?

Saban remains atop highest-paid head coaches getting over $11 million annually.
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
Sponsored

How Daktronics Helps Elite Athletic Programs Secure Top Talent

How colleges are utilizing Daktronics' displays to elevate recruiting.

WBD Pursues ‘Different’ Strategy For Sports on Max

Company to place all of its live sports on new streaming tier
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

CFP Selection Turns Heads with Controversial Selection

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

The College Football Playoff is considering rotating TV networks for the national championship game.

CFP Considers Super Bowl-Like Rotation For National Championship Game

Multiple networks could share rights to the championship game, sources told FOS.
Brett Favre
November 27, 2023

Favre Welfare Case Hold-Up? "AG’s Office Has Not Expressed Interest In Pursuing"

The DOJ interviewed Brett Favre in early 2020.
The future of the Pac-12 rests on a court decision.
November 24, 2023

The Pac-12 Plays Its Final Regular-Season Game. Then A Court Decides Its Fate.

The conference's future rests with a court decision.
Lane Kiffin
November 9, 2023

Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin Lawyers Argue for Dismissal of Player Lawsuit

FOS obtained audio of Lane Kiffin's interaction with the player behind lawsuit.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Wasserman
Multiple - USA Careers
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Saco Bay PT
Multiple - USA Careers

Ohtani's Future Deal Takes Center Stage As Winter Meetings Kick Off

The two-way phenom is expected to sign the largest-ever player contract in U.S. team sports.
November 30, 2023

Tracking Devices and Bags of Cash: A Soccer Scandal in Turkey

Former Atletico Madrid player Arda Turan is involved in the scandal.
Shaquille O'Neal
exclusive
December 1, 2023

A.I. Shaq? Authentic Files Trademarks Hinting at Virtual Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal and licensing group claim “ASK SHAQ” and “SHAQ A.I.”
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
November 30, 2023

Ronaldo Sued For $1B In Latest Fallout From Athlete Crypto Deals

Soccer superstar latest to be hit in legal fallout from crypto decline.
Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen of The Netherlands celebrates his victory of the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
November 30, 2023

The 10 Highest-Paid Formula 1 Drivers For 2023

Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen tops the list with $70 million.
Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi smiles as he walks on the field against the New York Red Bulls during the second half at Red Bull Arena.
November 16, 2023

The Results of Messi Mania Are In

A million people per match tuned in for Messi and Inter Miami.
Rory McIlroy reacts to his putt on the third green during the third round of the TOUR Championship golf tournament at East Lake Golf Club.
November 15, 2023

Rory McIlroy Resigns From PGA Tour Policy Board

The 34-year-old served on the Board for two years.