More details of the ruling against Deshaun Watson are trickling out.
Watson, the Cleveland Browns QB, was suspended six games in a ruling by retired federal judge Sue Robinson in wake of more than two dozen allegations of sexual misconduct, all directed toward massage therapists.
In the meantime, one additional element of Judge Robinson’s ruling was that he is not permitted to contract his own massage therapists for the remainder of his NFL career.
“Recognizing that the only discipline in the CBA is a fine or suspension, I nevertheless believe it appropriate for Mr. Watson to limit his massage therapy to Club-directed sessions and Club-approved massage therapists for the duration of his career, and so impose this mandate as a condition to his reinstatement,” Judge Robinson wrote.
The QB is further required to avoid “adverse” interactions with the police.
“Mr. Watson is to have no adverse involvement with law enforcement, and must not commit any additional violations of the Policy,” Judge Robinson continued.
The NFL has three days to decide whether to appeal the ruling in a process that would be heard by commissioner Roger Goodell or his designee.
Watson was accused of lurid sexual misconduct by more than 20 female massage therapists. He did not face criminal charges in the matter, and has settled all but one of the civil lawsuits levied against him by plaintiff attorney Tony Buzbee.
The 26-year-old sat out last season with the Texans — with pay — and signed a five-year contract worth $230 million guaranteed after being traded to the Browns. The contract was structured in a way that if the six-game suspension holds he would only lose about $345,000.
