Commissioner Roger Goodell stated Tuesday that it could take some time for the NFL to resolve its investigation into Deshaun’s conduct.
After a Houston trade, the quarterback is now in Cleveland. won’t be indicted for sexual misconduct criminal charges. These were brought by 22 women. He still faces 22 civil lawsuits.
Goodell stated that there is no timeline for the NFL to complete its investigation.
Goodell stated, “We’re going let the facts guide us, find all facts we can.” “At the very least, there is a solution from the criminal side. We will hopefully have more information. We will talk to anyone who can offer us a perspective.”
Goodell said that Watson could be suspended if a discipline officer was appointed jointly by the league, players’ union and the league. He dismissed the notion that Watson would be placed on the exempt list by the commissioner, which would prohibit him from participating in Browns activities including games.
Watson was out of Houston for the 2021 season, but he was still on the Texans roster and paid. Watson was inactive every week by the team.
Goodell stated that he believed the exempt list would not be triggered by civil litigation at this point.
Watson signed a record setting $230 million fully guaranteed contract. This includes a $1,000,000 base salary in his first season in the event that he is suspended by the NFL. When Goodell was asked if Watson would be disturbed by this contract, Goodell replied that it would not affect his discipline.
Goodell stated that “The personal conduct policy is very important to us and does not require a criminal (indictment) prosecution.” “A decision will be taken on whether or not there should be discipline and what it should be.”
Similar cases in the past involved similar civil allegations. In Pittsburgh, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger missed four games. Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliot missed six.
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