The big news in the NFL on Friday has to do with Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson avoiding criminal charges for his alleged sexual misconduct and harassment.
Waiting on a decision has held up his NFL future, so this should mean the Texans can now seriously discuss trades with teams interested in the quarterback.
Yet being cleared of criminal charges does not ensure he will avoid discipline by the league.
Watson is also facing civil cases, and the allegations are very serious in nature.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero shared a statement from the league following the update.
From NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy on today’s decision by a Texas grand jury not to charge Deshaun Watson:
“We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review of the personal conduct policy.”
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2022
“We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review of the personal conduct policy,” was what NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy had to say.
This means a suspension could be coming, but teams at least know Watson is not going to have to go to court and potentially be sent to prison.
So the criminal case against Deshaun Watson is now closed, with no charges. Civil lawsuits against Watson – who has always denied wrongdoing – remain unresolved and he still could face NFL discipline. But today's developments are a big step towards Watson returning to the field.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2022
NFL Still Monitoring The Deshaun Watson Situation
Watson is a top star in the league and should be a hot commodity in the trade market right away.
Yet the NFL still has to make sure it disciplines him properly.
Remember, Ben Roethlisberger avoided criminal charges but still served a suspension back when he faced some serious allegations of a similar nature.
The main takeaway from today’s news is that Watson is going to be back on the field with a new team in 2022.
How many games he can play and where he will do so is what remains to be seen.
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