It’s still uncertain if the Cleveland Browns will have quarterback Deshaun Watson this season.
The Pro Bowl play-caller will meet with NFL officials regarding an impending suspension.
Not being criminally liable for his 22 sexual misconduct cases paved the way for him to return and join the Browns.
However, he is still under investigation for civil charges.
Likewise, the NFL’s sanctions will be different from legal courts.
After all, they must treat Watson’s case delicately because people, especially young kids, look up to these athletes.
Therefore, the judgment they will bestow on him will set a precedent for other similar cases in the future.
If the league is struggling to finalize judgment, perhaps recent events in Major League Baseball can help them sort out this matter.
NFL source on Trevor Bauer: "Look at what baseball did. If people don’t think that's on people's radar, then. Public opinion matters. You think the NFL wants to be the organization that says sexual misconduct against women means more to one league than the other? Think about it."
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) May 18, 2022
CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson tweeted, “NFL source on Trevor Bauer: ‘Look at what baseball did. If people don’t think that’s on people’s radar, then. Public opinion matters. You think the NFL wants to be the organization that says sexual misconduct against women means more to one league than the other? Think about it.'”
The league could refer to Trevor Bauer’s two-season suspension in dealing with Watson’s case.
Otherwise, they will receive negative backlash for giving the quarterback a lighter penalty.
While he is innocent until proven guilty, the number of cases could translate to a hefty sanction.
Browns Preparing For The Worst
Losing Watson for that long would have negative implications for the Browns.
They are still obliged to pay him under his five-year, $230 million fully-guaranteed deal.
Likewise, missing out on football for several seasons could be a difficult hole to bounce back from physically.
In that case, the Browns should also hold their plan to trade Baker Mayfield.
The team will need him if Watson will serve a lengthy suspension.
NEXT: NFL Insider Explains The Latest Deshaun Watson Update