Deshaun Watson in Limbo
The National Football League prides itself on holding all those involved, including its players, to a high standard that is befitting of the privilege to be a part of the NFL or associated with it in some way, shape, or form.
Towards that end, on April 10, 2007, the NFL’s personal conduct policy was introduced, and all involved were obliged to sign up.
“It is a privilege to be part of the National Football League,” starts the expansive NFL’s personal conduct policy for players.
It’s underlying purpose is to give guidance to those involved with the league, control the behavior of players on and off the field and preserve the NFL’s public’s image.
“Everyone who is part of the league must refrain from “conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the NFL.”
These first few statements strike a morally inspired note, setting the tone for the rest of the eight-page document.
The list of players to have faced the consequences of violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy is substantial and includes household names.
For instance, in 2010, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended six games after a 20-year-old college student alleged he’d sexually assaulted her in a Georgia nightclub. Roethlisberger wasn’t charged criminally, but NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell meted out the punishment a week later regardless of the outcome of the criminal investigation.
Another example comes via Ezekiel Elliot’s domestic abuse allegations which were levied by a former girlfriend. The NFL spent a year investigating these allegations before suspending the Dallas Cowboys running back for six games in 2017.
In 2019, the NFL suspended Kareem Hunt for eight games without pay for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The suspension stemmed from two violent incidents, including a disturbing altercation with a woman caught on video.
At the time of the incident, Hunt was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, but the team released the star running back once the video entered the public domain. The Cleveland Browns swooped in and signed the running back while he was on the commissioner’s exempt list and before the league made its final decision on punishment.
There are more similar such examples, but too many to get into in greater detail. The finer point that is of relevance here is that ample evidence exists of the league holding players to account, without exception.
So, where does this leave the Cleveland Browns and their newly acquired and signed quarterback Deshaun Watson?
If historical trends are any indication, the embattled quarterback is sure to face some form of discipline. It’s not a matter of if, but when. The extent of the discipline, however, is an accompanying question that is the source of much speculation and debate right now.
The speculation and debate only intensified earlier this week when Cleveland decided to trade disgruntled quarterback Baker Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers for a conditional 2024 draft pick.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll be fully aware of the allegations of harassment and sexual misconduct that have enveloped Watson in a series of criminal and civil investigations and lawsuits this past year.
Watson avoided criminal charges in all cases, so far. In March, a grand jury in Harris County, Texas, declined to charge Watson for harassment or sexual misconduct due to a lack of evidence.
Later that month, another jury in Brazoria County, Texas, also declined to charge Watson. But he settled at least 20 civil lawsuits filed by his accusers.
The NFL is investigating Watson’s case, though a decision is yet to be announced on the discipline (if any at all) it will hand out.
Deshaun Watson’s hearing before the NFL and NFLPA’s jointly appointed disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson is scheduled to begin Tuesday, league sources told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/nUzSQsUI45
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 25, 2022
The player’s conduct policy clearly outlines what expectations players are signing up to when they join the league.
“Conduct by anyone in the league that is illegal, violent, dangerous, or irresponsible puts innocent victims at risk, damages the reputation of others in the game, and undercuts public respect and support for the NFL.”
“We must endeavor at all times to be people of high character; we must show respect for others inside and outside our workplace; and we must strive to conduct ourselves in ways that favorably reflect on ourselves, our teams, the communities we represent, and the NFL.”
Moreover, where discipline is concerned, the document is equally clear about how, when and under what circumstances violations will be met with discipline.
“Discipline – A player violates this policy when he has a disposition of a criminal proceeding (as defined), or if the league’s investigation demonstrates that he engaged in conduct prohibited by the Personal Conduct Policy. In cases where a player is not charged with a crime, or is charged but not convicted, he may still be found to have violated the Policy if the credible evidence establishes that he engaged in conduct prohibited by this Personal Conduct Policy.“
While the star quarterback vehemently maintains his innocence, the court of public opinion isn’t convinced. In some cases, it’s downright harsh in its censure, with many weighing in to condemn him on various social media outlets.
Deshaun Watson should never play football again. That won’t happen, but it’s my opinion.
— Jared Kane (@BaddestBearJew) June 29, 2022
Someone explain to me the difference between @deshaunwatson and Harvey Weinstein. In my opinion, there isn’t one.
— Working Class Josh (@PWCJC) June 29, 2022
On top of it all, the fact that the Browns organization appeared to be rewarding Watson, when it penned bim to a most advantageous and lucrative deal, only stoked the embers of outrage further.
All eyes will be on Goodell and the league after Disciplinary officer Judge Sue L. Robinson makes a decision on the fate of Watson. She oversaw three days of hearings between the NFL and NFL Players Association and is expected to issue a ruling next week.
The NFL lobbied for an indefinite suspension while the NFLPA argued for no punishment. The league is not allowed to appeal Robinson’s ruling. The NFLPA can appeal, but Goodell or someone appointed by the commissioner would hear that appeal.
The NFL must be conscious of striking the right balance of a measured verdict. While it can’t allow public opinion, news, and unsubstantiated rumors to influence its investigation or widespread expectations to dictate its verdict, it also can’t repeat the mistakes of the past and maintain its moral stance on player conduct. To do so would render the whole policy an illusion.
The league has been guilty of taking a lenient stance on several occasions, especially in those cases involving violence, abuse, or sexual assault against women. If those lessons are learned, the NFL will make the right decision here.
