National Organization of Women: 'NFL must stop enabling predators like Deshaun Watson'

On Monday afternoon, the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center released a statement condemning the ruling from NFL disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson should be suspended for six games regarding allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. 

The National Organization of Women (NOW) has also lashed out at Judge Robinson's decision. 

"It is unacceptable, insulting, and dangerous—but not surprising—that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will face merely a 6-game suspension—with no fines—following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct made by more than two dozen women," NOW said in its statement. "The NFL and the multi-billion-dollar sports industry have a vested interest in enabling sexual misconduct, assault, and violence. They even wrote it into Deshaun Watson’s $230 million contract!

"The Browns knew that their star recruit would be suspended for at least part of this year’s season because of his record of sex offenses, and so they restructured his contract to make the majority of his $46 million first-year payout a 'signing bonus,' not tied to him playing actual games."

NOW continued: "Deshaun Watson must not be allowed to profit from his horrific behavior, and the NFL must change its business model that allows, enables, and hides sexual misconduct into one that respects women and holds abusers accountable. Shame on the Cleveland Browns for rewarding Deshaun Watson and shame on the NFL for perpetuating a system where money talks, and women aren’t heard." 

Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement that Watson "is remorseful that this situation has caused much heartache to many," and Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski later told reporters the 26-year-old is "working to be the best version of himself." 

Two grand juries declined to indict Watson on criminal charges, and his legal team has settled 23 of 24 civil lawsuits as of late Sunday night. Meanwhile, the NFL has three business days to file an appeal and announced on Monday it "is reviewing Judge Robinson’s imposition of a six-game suspension and will make a determination on next steps."