CLEVELAND — Last week, the NFL and NFL Players Association (NFLPA) reached a settlement on an 11-game suspension and $5 million fine for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
As a part of his punishment, Watson is also required to undergo mandatory counseling, which he has already begun, according to NBC Sports' Peter King.
"Watson has begun the league-mandate counseling, a source told me," writes King. "My sense is the Browns hope that at some point Watson will understand what he either doesn’t understand or a denial he has been continually fed by his enablers -- that he did nothing wrong."
Watson's punishment comes as the result of former U.S. District Judge Sue L. Robinson ruling that the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback violated the league's Personal Conduct Policy on the following three counts following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, including harassment and assault:
- Conduct that Qualifies as a Sexual Assault
- Conduct that Poses a Genuine Danger to the Safety and Well-Being of Another Person
- Conduct that Undermines, or Puts at Risk, the Integrity of the NFL
While Robinson initially issued a six-game suspension for Watson, the league appealed her decision, with the two sides coming to terms on a settlement before former NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's appointed designee, New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey, issued his own ruling.
Watson's remorse -- or lack thereof -- has become the subject of conversation in recent weeks. In making her ruling that the Clemson product had violated the league's Personal Conduct Policy Robinson noted Watson's "lack of expressed remorse."
Ahead of the Browns' preseason opener earlier this month, Watson -- who has not been criminally charged as a result of the allegations -- issued an apology to the women who he has impacted. But while he reiterated his apology last week, he also stressed that he maintained his innocence and that his decision to settle civil lawsuits with 23 accusers was not an admission of guilt.
“I’ve always been able to stand on my innocence and always said I never assaulted or disrespected anyone and I've always been able to stand on that," said Watson, who is still facing one civil lawsuit as a result of the allegations. "But at the same point, I have to continue to push forward with my life and career."