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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 21: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans talk with the media during his post game press conference after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 21, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. The Texans defeated the Buccaneers 23 to 20. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 21: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans talk with the media during his post game press conference after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 21, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. The Texans defeated the Buccaneers 23 to 20. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
Earlier, the New Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was handed a six-game suspension. Many people didn’t like the decision, as they thought Watson deserved a more severe penalty. There was a common assumption around the league that the NFL would step up to extend Watson’s suspension. Unsurprisingly, that is what is happening now.
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The league is looking to extend Watson’s suspension. Furthermore, the NFL wants to levy a significant fine, which Watson was not supposed to pay previously.
According to Jeff Darlington of ESPN: “I’m told NFL is appealing for an indefinite suspension that would be a minimum of one year. But perhaps more significant given the structure of Watson’s contract…”
I'm told NFL is appealing for an indefinite suspension that would be a minimum of one year. But perhaps more significant given the structure of Watson's contract, source tells me the NFL's appeal will also include a monetary fine. Money is now a significant part of the equation.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) August 3, 2022
Falcons WR Calvin Ridley will be missing an entire season and the salary he was supposed to get due to his ban. Similarly, Watson is also likely to get a similar suspension. As of now, the league hasn’t mentioned the number of games for Watson. However, common sense around the league is it will be north of at least 10 games.
Deshaun Watson might miss another season
Deshaun Watson didn’t play a single game last season. As a result, he was fresh to take over the starting quarterback role for the Cleveland Browns. Since he wasn’t proven guilty, the franchise was also interested in getting Watson.
However, given the current situation, Watson may be forced to miss a second season consecutively. It will be a huge blow for both the franchise and the quarterback. The Browns parted ways with Baker Mayfield, and it could play a huge role in the upcoming season.
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BEREA, OH – JULY 30: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns signs autographs after Cleveland Browns training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on July 30, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
If Watson is suspended for the whole season, the Browns might not be able to reach the playoffs. Further, if that happens, another season for this talented group of players will go to waste.
Watson is likely to appeal his ban if he is suspended for the entire season. He wasn’t proven guilty. He firmly stands by the fact that he didn’t do anything wrong.
Watch This Story: NFL Wants To Punish Deshaun Watson With Such Severity That Cleveland Browns Will Be The One’s Who Will Suffer The Most
Written by
Edited by
Deepika Bhaduri