NFL Reportedly Discussing Possible Deshaun Watson Suspension Amid New Lawsuit

The 2024 NFL football season has recently kicked off, and the league is already facing some legal challenges with one of its quarterbacks, Deshaun Watson.

Feel like I'm Big Meech when I'm ridin' in these cars. Who you know pull up whole crew in a foreign?! 💯 Motivating energy in the trenches! 🤞🏾 @DW4Foundation pic.twitter.com/5SgFbiw6QV

— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) February 25, 2021

In 2022, Watson was suspended for 11 games due to sexual misconduct allegations.  Some of these stemmed from masseuses accusing him of being inappropriate during massages.  However, his latest lawsuit raises questions on whether the NFL will act quickly to find a resolution during the 2024 season or delay the actions until the offseason.  A Texas woman is accusing Watson of raping her inside her apartment before they were scheduled to go on a date.

As of now, there haven’t been any definite answers on if Watson will face suspension.  According to the NFL, Watson will not be placed on paid leave, and the accuser’s lawyer has stated that they will cooperate with the league’s investigation.  This move is essential to the investigation as the NFL’s in-house justice system relies on witness participation.

Additionally, another layer to the case involves Judge Sue Robinson, who presided over Watson’s previous case. In her prior ruling, Robinson decided that Watson’s denial of any wrongdoings lacked credibility. If she takes over Watson’s new case, Robinson could rule in favor of the accuser due to her previous skepticism of Watson’s testimony.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns are reportedly preparing for a possible suspension. There have also been reports of the team evaluating other available quarterbacks, even though they have both Jameis Winston and Dorian Thompson-Robinson on the roster.  Watson’s contract, which includes a guaranteed $92 million for 2025-2026, could also be at risk. If it’s confirmed that Watson did not disclose the new lawsuit to the team, the Browns could use this as leverage to get out of paying the remaining financial commitments.