National Organization of Women: Deshaun Watson suspension and fine 'nowhere near enough'

Earlier this month, both the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center and the National Organization of Women (NOW) heavily criticized the six-game suspension recommended by NFL disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson regarding allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. 

That was before the NFL appealed Judge Robinson's ruling and before the league and NFL Players Association agreed to an 11-game ban and fine of $5m for Watson that was announced on Thursday. Later that same day, NOW blasted the settlement in a new statement. 

"The NFL’s decision to up Deshaun Watson’s fine and suspension from six games to 11, with a $5M fine and a mandatory behavioral evaluation and treatment program is nowhere near enough," NOW said. "That $5M represents 2.1739% of Watson’s new $230M contract with the Cleveland Browns, which was negotiated after more than two dozen women had accused the star athlete of sexual misconduct." 

As noted by the NFL's website, Watson's settlement "requires compliance with a professional evaluation and treatment plan." Specifics weren't disclosed as of Thursday afternoon. 

"NOW is pleased to see behavioral evaluation and treatment recognized as best practices by the NFL, but they have a lot to learn about math," the organization continued. "What is the point of a $5M fine to Deshaun Watson—or to the NFL, which made an estimated $9.8B during the 2021 season, and more than $15B the season before?" 

The NFL also announced that the league and Browns will each contribute $1M to be added to Watson's fine in order to "create a fund of $7M to support the prevention of sexual misconduct and assault." NOW responded to that news via its statement. 

"Professional teams, leagues, and players need to take the violence against women crisis in professional sports seriously," NOW said. "That means more than the $1M each to be donated by the NFL and the Browns to 'educate young people' on things like healthy relationships and 'support survivors and related causes.' 

"Women need more than empty words and half-measures. The culture of toxic masculinity within the NFL must change—NOW. Deshaun Watson’s career and wealth won’t be damaged by this decision—unlike the dozens of women he has irreparably harmed. No, this isn’t good enough."

As has been the case since last year when allegations first arose, Watson maintained his innocence Thursday and insisted he "never assaulted anyone or disrespected anyone." David Mulugheta, his agent, tweeted: "Deshaun has always stated he is innocent of sexual assault." 

In its statement from earlier this month, the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center said that "the six-game suspension given dangerously mirrors the flaws in our criminal justice systems and sends a grave message to our communities."