After months of limbo, the NFL suspended Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for six games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy on Monday.
The suspension comes as a result of the 24 sexual misconduct lawsuits against the quarterback from multiple women whom Watson hired for massages. The women each accused the Browns quarterback of sexual misconduct or sexual assault.
While the news of the suspension wasn’t exactly a surprise as it’s been expected for several weeks, one particular clause in the suspension did catch the NFL world off guard.
According to NFL reporter Tom Pelissero, former federal judge Sue L. Robinson’s suspension decision also includes a mandate that Watson must get all his massage therapy from therapists who are employed by the Browns.
Judge Sue L. Robinson’s decision also says Deshaun Watson must get all his massage therapy from club therapists, per source. https://t.co/jBktmH3LoS
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 1, 2022
Naturally, the strange clause got quite a reaction from the NFL world, many of whom questioned why this clause would need to be included in the suspension if the judge deemed that Watson should only be suspended for six games due to his actions.
How could Judge Robinson believe that this clause was necessary, but only give Deshaun Watson a six game suspension? https://t.co/bRoZh2lGfm
— David Gardner (@byDavidGardner) August 1, 2022
Remember when we all said, "Why make the independent study clause a part of Kyler Murray's contract if the Cardinals didn't think there was an issue?" https://t.co/qAoTALPZci
— Kate Magdziuk (@FFballblast) August 1, 2022
also, does this not potentially create a hostile work environment for Browns employees? https://t.co/dp4CyKebKg
— Megan Schuster (@megschuster) August 1, 2022
the fact that they did this (as well as the fact that they handed down a suspension at all) means they admitted he was at fault in some regard https://t.co/WYmJPQ1pKk
— Jeremy Layton (@JeremyLayt0n) August 1, 2022
I am not really shocked by six games. The world is awful.
This, though, is just wild. Putting this in the decision suggests you believe the women, which means you gave six games for rape allegations you believe are true. https://t.co/caqcohJ6Ek
— Raymond Summerlin (@RMSummerlin) August 1, 2022
I can't believe this tweet is real
— Jeremy White (@JeremyWGR) August 1, 2022
Watson will miss the first six games and will be eligible to return for Cleveland’s Week 7 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. In the meantime, veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett will take on the role as Cleveland’s starting quarterback.
