LATROBE, Pa. -- The NFL and NFLPA reached an agreement Thursday on an 11-game suspension for Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. The settlement includes a fine of $5 million.
In addition, the NFL announced Watson will "promptly" undergo a professional evaluation by behavioral experts and will follow their treatment program.
Watson, 26, was accused of sexual misconduct by more than two dozen massage therapists in the Houston area. Watson did not face criminal charges over the allegations, and settled at least 24 of the civil lawsuits against him. In addition, The New York Times reported that Watson saw "at least" 66 female massage therapists in a 17-month stretch between 2019 and 2021.
Terms of the settlements were undisclosed.
Watson and Browns ownership each released their own statements in light of the settlement between the NFL and NFLPA:
Deshaun Watson statement: pic.twitter.com/n54aGsYRiy
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 18, 2022
Browns’ owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam: pic.twitter.com/wDHEi8nRGj
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 18, 2022
Watson was traded from the Texans to the Browns earlier this offseason, and subsequently signed a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract.
The first game where Watson will be eligible to return? Week 13 against the Texans in Houston.
Watson will not be eligible for the first matchup between the Steelers and Browns in Week 3, but will be Cleveland's starter -- barring injury -- when the Browns travel to Pittsburgh for the regular season finale in Week 18.
