• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Cold Wire

Breaking News, Sports, Entertainment, TV, Tech ...

  • Home
  • Sports
    • NFL
    • NBA
    • MLB
  • World News
  • Entertainment
  • Cold Hard Facts
  • About
You are here: Home / Sports / NFL / Roger Goodell Offers No Clarity For Browns Fans On Deshaun Watson

Roger Goodell Offers No Clarity For Browns Fans On Deshaun Watson

By Matthew Willis March 30, 2022 @ColdWireMatt

Quarterback Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns adjusts his jacket during a press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on March 25, 2022 in Berea, Ohio.
(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

 

The Cleveland Browns are waiting for a straightforward answer regarding Deshaun Watson.

However, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wouldn’t offer the team clarity on what the league plans to do with Watson.

"There does not need to be a criminal violation to be a violation of the personal conduct policy."

Roger Goodell speaks on the NFL's investigation and possible suspension of Deshaun Watson. pic.twitter.com/KuuqUiItLB

— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) March 29, 2022

The murkiness of the situation puts the Browns 2022 NFL season plans in jeopardy.

They traded for Watson to replace current starting quarterback Baker Mayfield.

However, that move didn’t set well with Mayfield.

He now wants out of Cleveland in a time where they might need him if Watson gets suspended.

So
-Browns FO flew to Houston to meet with Watson
-Mayfield writes his letter.
-Thursday the Browns are "eliminated" as a destination for Watson
-Baker asks for a trade
-An hour later the Browns deny his trade request
-Today the Browns are trading for Watson
Lmaooooooooo

— New Year Same Bad Takes (@wrongopinionman) March 18, 2022

 

Watson Avoids Criminal Charges But Faces Civil Cases

The Browns knew about all the criminal cases that were pending with Watson before they made the trade.

Grand juries would dismiss those charges, taking the pressure of a criminal case off Watson.

However, Watson still faces a civil lawsuit battle against the same people that accused him of criminal sexual assault.

Because of this, the NFL is still investigating Watson based on those civil lawsuits.

So until either the NFL or the legal system make a ruling, Watson’s future remains in limbo.

 

Goodell Won’t Have The Final Say In Watson Matter

The decision on what happens to Watson doesn’t fall on Goodell.

There is a disciplinary officer that is in charge of the Watson investigation by the NFL.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on investigation into Deshaun Watson: "Our people are working on it. That determination will be made by a joint disciplinary officer. She will make that decision when the facts are all in. There is no timeframe on that."

— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) March 29, 2022

The new CBA that was enacted in 2020 took the power away from Goodell in situations like this one.

That can be both good news and bad news for Watson and the Browns as they remain in the dark.

The good news is that if the investigator rules in favor of Watson, the NFL can’t punish Watson.

However, the bad news is that if they find him guilty of violating NFL policy, only Goodell can overturn the decision.

There might be pressure on Goodell to not overturn an unfavorable decision by the independent investigator.

 

Should The Browns Keep Mayfield As A Backup Plan?

With Watson facing a possibility of suspension, most people would find it wise to keep Mayfield around.

However, we already know that he wants out of Cleveland and most likely wouldn’t play if they asked him.

Plus, the team signed former Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett.

While he isn’t a top tier quarterback, he can fill in if the Browns call his number.

Keeping Mayfield around only makes matters worse for the team.

They have to pay his contract, so trading him away could save them cap space.

A trade also gives them a chance to get players they need at other positions.

Brissett is the better option for having someone fill in for Watson.

 

How Long Could Watson Be Out For If Suspended?

The primary concern of the Browns and their fans is how long Watson will be out for if suspended.

Looking at a similar situation with Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers could give us an answer.

Big Ben got a six-game suspension in 2010 over a sexual assault case that was dismissed.

He would appeal the suspension and only serve a four-game suspension.

If the past is any sign of the future, I’d say look for Watson to miss four to six games in 2022.

Recent News

Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills walks off the field after being defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 23, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Josh Allen Has 1 Task To Complete To Become A Superstar
Malik Willis #QB16 of Liberty throws during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 03, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Video Shows The Strength And Accuracy Of Malik Willis
Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Las Vegas Raiders takes the field for warmups before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 35-32 in overtime.
Hunter Renfrow Asks A Hilarious Hypothetical Featuring Hot Dogs

Filed Under: Cleveland Browns Rumors And News, NFL Tagged With: Cleveland Browns

About Matthew Willis

Since my childhood, I've been a life-long sports fan of Chicago sports teams. Whether we are doing good or bad, I still root for the Bulls, Bears, and Cubs. I have been writing sports articles since 2021. Living in Michigan as a Bears fan has made me enemy #1 with Lions fans.

Suggest a correction

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search The Cold Wire

Footer

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

Editorial Guidelines

Contact Us

Sitemap

Advertise

Follow us on

Copyright © 2022 · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ·TheColdWire.com

Suggest a Correction

Roger Goodell Offers No Clarity For Browns Fans On Deshaun Watson

1000 characters remaining