Browns owner Jimmy Haslam on Deshaun Watson: 'Is he never supposed to play again?'

Deshaun Watson's NFL punishment is official. The NFL and NFL Players Association have come together and reached a settlement. Watson — who now plays for the Cleveland Browns after being traded by his original team, the Houston Texans — is going to be suspended 11 games without pay.

Along with the suspension, Watson will have to pay a $5 million fine and take a mandatory evaluation by behavioral experts who will suggest a treatment program that he has to follow.

 One person who is ready to move on, predictably, is Watson.

"I'm grateful that the disciplinary process has ended and extremely appreciative of the tremendous support I have received throughout my short time with the Browns organization," Watson said in a statement. "I apologize once again for any pain this situation has caused. I take accountability for the decisions I made. My focus going forward is on working to become the best version of myself on and off the field and supporting my teammates however possible while I'm away from the team. I'm excited about what the future holds for me in Cleveland."

Another person (again, predictably) who is looking forward to the future is Browns owner Jimmy Haslam — who made a major investment in Watson to the tune of a five-year, $230 million deal.

"I think in this country, and hopefully in the world, people deserve second chances. I really think that," he said, according to ESPN. ... "Is he never supposed to play again? Is he never supposed to be a part of society? Does he get no chance to rehabilitate himself? That is what we are going to do. ... We think people deserve a second chance. ... That does not mean we do not have empathy for people affected and we will continue to do so, but we strongly believe, strongly believe that people deserve a second chance; we believe Deshaun Watson deserves a second chance."

The Browns will return to NFL journeyman Jacoby Brissett at starting quarterback while Watson waits out his suspension. Ironically, Watson will be able to return in Week 13, when the Browns play the Houston Texans.