Cleveland Rape Crisis Center 'stands with those who have been hurt' by Browns' Deshaun Watson

The settlement between the NFL and NFL Players Association that resulted in Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson receiving an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine regarding allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions has understandably elicited strong reactions from both within and outside of the football community.

The National Organization of Women heavily criticized a punishment it said "is nowhere near enough," and Scott Berkowitz, the founder and president of the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, commented that "Watson had a chance to show he could change, and he immediately blew it" by not offering a sincere apology for his actions on Thursday. 

Attorney Tony Buzbee, who represented the plaintiffs in 24 civil lawsuits brought against Watson, remarked in a statement that "the NFL has certainly demonstrated that its ownership and the organization don’t care" about sexual assault, and former NFL quarterback and current ESPN personality Robert Griffin III tweeted that the league "failed" women with a "sickening" punishment. 

The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center previously responded to the initial six-game ban for Watson recommended by NFL disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson earlier this month and released a new statement following Thursday's update on the 26-year-old's status. 

"Cleveland Rape Crisis Center stands with those who have been hurt by Deshaun Watson," that organization said. 

Per the NFL's website, the Browns and the league are each contributing $1 million that will be added to Watson's fine to "create a fund of $7 million to support the prevention of sexual misconduct and assault." That fund will "support the work of non-profit organizations across the country that educate young people on healthy relationships, promote education and prevention of sexual misconduct and assault, support survivors, and related causes." 

Two grand juries declined to indict Watson on criminal charges long before Judge Robinson made her ruling. 

"While traditional avenues of criminal justice may have failed his accusers, today’s NFL and NFLPA settlement of increased punishment is a step towards validating their experiences. Healing comes to survivors in many forms," the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center continued. 

"Cleveland Rape Crisis Center believes and supports survivors. Continued headlines are triggering for many. Our staff is available 24/7/365 online or by calling/texting (216) 619-6192."