NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has confirmed that the league is currently examining new allegations of sexual assault and battery involving Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. Although Watson has settled a civil lawsuit brought against him by one woman, this resolution does not exempt him from potential disciplinary action by the NFL. Goodell stated on Tuesday, following the league’s fall meeting, “We’re continuing our review like we would. As you know, we take the personal conduct policy seriously, so our people are working diligently.”
The league is following its standard procedure by attempting to interview the plaintiff through her attorney, Tony Buzbee. Watson previously faced an 11-game suspension in 2022 for breaching the NFL’s personal conduct policy after over two dozen women accused him of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. His penalties also included a $5 million fine and a requirement to undergo a mandatory evaluation before returning to play.
The most recent lawsuit, lodged on September 9 in Harris County, Texas, accuses Watson of sexually assaulting the unnamed woman during a dinner date at her apartment in 2020. She is seeking damages exceeding $1 million. Despite these claims, Watson, who is in his third season with the Browns after a contentious trade from Houston, has vehemently denied the allegations. The 29-year-old quarterback has already settled nearly two dozen civil lawsuits related to previous accusations.
Watson’s performance in Cleveland has generated concern, particularly given the Browns’ decision to trade multiple draft picks and provide him with a fully guaranteed contract worth $230 million. As of now, the Browns’ record stands at 1-5 this season, leading some fans to call for the benching of Watson in favor of backup Jameis Winston.
In other news, the NFL is expressing contentment with the performance of its new kickoff rule, as noted by league executive Troy Vincent, who announced that no changes would be implemented for this season. The return rate has reached 32% through the first six weeks, a significant 90% rise from the previous season, which Vincent characterized as mostly “ceremonial.” This past season, the return rate was 17% at this stage, improving to 22% by season’s end, with the league aiming for a return rate of 33-35%. Discussions regarding adjustments to the kickoff spot from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line after a touchback are expected to take place in the offseason.
Jeff Miller, who is responsible for player health and safety, reported that there have been no ACL or MCL injuries during kickoffs this season, with only one recorded concussion. Vincent emphasized the original goals of enhancing the kickoff experience while minimizing head and lower-extremity injuries, stating, “What was the overall objective? It was putting the foot back in the game, reducing the head injuries as well as some of the lower-extremity injuries, which is all promising.” He also mentioned the necessity to investigate options to make onside kicks more practical.
Additionally, the NFL has imposed fines on seven players for committing hip-drop tackles, though none of these incidents occurred in the past two weeks. Vincent acknowledged the cooperation of coaches and players in submitting footage of potentially questionable tackles. While there have been around 22 tackles under scrutiny, none have yet met the required criteria for penalties. Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon voiced his frustration over being injured during a play he believed should have been penalized for a hip-drop tackle.
“It’s just so important that all four of the elements show up,” Vincent commented. “Reviewing that after the game, some of us have just a better feel and an eye for when those things occur.” Although players have not faced penalties for hip-drop tackles yet, there has been an ongoing evaluation process to ensure that players are not unfairly penalized based on real-time observations.
On a separate note, a number of players have been penalized or fined this season for making violent gestures, such as finger guns, during celebrations. The NFL has seen a total of 10 penalties and fines, with amounts ranging from $6,250 to Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who was docked $19,697 last week. Vincent remarked, “When you start getting into violent gestures, there’s just no place in professional football for that.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful environment for fans and young audiences, promoting the idea that players can celebrate without resorting to violent actions.
