editor“note: This story contains accounts of sexual assault. If you or someone you know is a sexual assault survivor, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or at https://www.rainn.org.
While the NFL continues to investigate Brown Quarterback Deshaun Watson amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, the league insists that its availability for matches in 2022 was not a factor in creating Cleveland’s schedule for next season.
NFL Vice President of Radio Planning Mike North Talk to Adam Shane of SiriusXM “Mad Dog Sports Radio” for clarification.
The honest answer to your question [about scheduling around Watson’s availability] nothing. None of us know. None of us know if he will stay here all year or not. “None of us know what’s going to happen, and it might not even happen this year, Adam,” North said.
Pressing more on the topic, North acknowledged that the only element considered when it came to Watson being his return to Houston to face the Texans would occur in the schedule.
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“Other than really thinking about where the actual Cleveland game in Houston fell, there wasn’t much interest in it. [regarding Watson]North said.
Watson faces 22 active civil lawsuits related to sexual harassment and assault during his massage therapy sessions. The lawsuits describe accounts ranging from Watson’s refusal to cover his genitals to “touching [a plaintiff] with his penis and trying to force her to have oral sex with him.”
There are no currently set trial dates for any of the 22 active civil cases.
The 26-year-old recently traded with Cleveland and signed a five-year, fully guaranteed deal worth $230 million – a record contract that has become the largest guaranteed contract in league history.
The quarterback has previously faced multiple criminal complaints; However, he is not facing charges after two separate grand jury hearings. According to Jenny Frentas from New York timesAnd Criminal complaints he had previously encountered included similar descriptions, including slander by Watson at massage therapists and either other forms of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault.
On March 11, a Harris County grand jury returned nine “no” bills on nine criminal complaints against Watson. The Harris County District Attorney said the decision ended criminal proceedings against him in that county, and Watson circulated shortly thereafter. A Brazoria County grand jury refused to indict Watson on the 10th count on March 24.
Watson denied assaulting, harassing or disrespecting any woman during his introductory press conference with Brown.
The NFL’s investigation into Watson for violating the league’s personal conduct policy is ongoing, and he could still face suspension for this next season or beyond.