RG3: NFL 'failed' women with Deshaun Watson punishment

Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III is sounding off on the Watson punishment. Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Griffin III: NFL 'failed' women with 'sickening' punishment for Deshaun Watson

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 8/18/22

On Thursday, the NFL and NFLPA announced an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson after more than 20 allegations of sexual misconduct stemming from dozens of visits with massage therapists.

While the punishment for Watson enraged many, former quarterback Robert Griffin III didn't mince words when taking the league to task over its decision.

The NFL had an opportunity to show it had learned from its ugly history on standing up for Women with this Deshaun Watson case and IT FAILED. 11 games and a 5 million dollar fine doesn't fit what he was accused of doing and found to have done by Judge Sue L. Robinson. Sickening.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 18, 2022

Like many, Griffin argued that the punishment for Watson didn't come close to fitting the crime. Griffin said the NFL came up small when it had the chance to show women they took these kinds of allegations seriously.

Many, including Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing the plaintiffs in the civil cases against Watson, share Griffin's opinion.

Buzbee blasted NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, calling him "nothing more than a paper tiger."

"To all the sexual assault survivors, do not allow this recent 'punishment' to deter you," Buzbee said via a statement shared by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. "Keep speaking up and speaking out. Your voice matters. You are making a difference. We stand with you."

Earlier this month, Buzbee confirmed that his legal team had settled 23 of the 24 civil lawsuits against Watson.

Even after the response to the suspension, the Browns have remained steadfast in their support of Watson.

After Watson told reporters Thursday that he continued to stand by his innocence, Browns owner Jimmy Haslem said he'd "absolutely" trade for the quarterback again, adding he believed in second chances.

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