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Deshuan Watson’s 11-game suspension linked to the numerous allegations of sexual miscconduct officially ends on Monday.
The Cleveland Browns quarterback returned to practice two weeks ago, and NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy confirmed to Front Office Sports that Watson’s reinstatement will become official at 4 p.m. ET as part of the league’s personnel notice that tracks player eligibility.
The Browns acquired Watson via a trade with the Houston Texans in March, and Watson agreed to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract with a nearly $45 million signing bonus.
The deal drew heavy criticism as Watson faced two dozen allegations of misconduct during massage sessions. Watson agreed to undisclosed financial settlements with 20 of the accusers last summer.
Watson was originally banned six games under the league’s personal conduct policy before the NFL — which sought at least a one-season suspension — appealed retired federal judge Sue L. Robinson’s decision as the original arbitrator.
Less than three weeks after Robinson’s decision, Watson agreed to a deal worked out by the NFL and NFLPA that mandated the 11-game ban, $5 million and behavioral treatment on Aug 18.
Watson, who hasn’t taken a regular-season snap since January 2021, is expected to make his Browns debut against the Texans on Sunday. The Browns are 4-7 and are coming off a 23-17 OT victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Jacoby Brissett behind center.
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