The NFL will likely seek a suspension for an entire season for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, said a source with knowledge of the league’s internal investigation.
The NFL Players’ Association is expecting Watson to be hit with “unprecedented” punishment for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Watson will likely be suspended for an entire season or until the lawsuits have been settled, the source told The Association Press.
The NFLPA is defending Watson and will point out the league’s double-standard for its owners if Watson is suspended for a full season.
24 massage therapists have filed lawsuits against Watson and 2 more accusers have stepped forward.
A source in Watson’s camp cautioned the media to be “careful” about specifying how long the suspension will last.
The FBI reportedly questioned at least one of the women about her allegations.
Houston Police Detective Kamesha Baker explained the FBI’s involvement in the case during a deposition earlier this month. Baker, who questioned 10 of the accusers, said the FBI is investigating whether Watson is being extorted by the women.
Over 60 women have acknowledged providing masseuse services to the Cleveland Browns quarterback.
On Tuesday, Watson continued to deny the allegations.
“I never assaulted anyone,” Watson said. “I never harassed anyone or I never disrespected anyone. I never forced anyone to do anything.”
In a deposition last month, Watson admitted making massage therapist Ashley Solis cry by exposing himself to her after a massage session.
