Deshaun Watson lost.
On the surface, many believe he won and continues winning.
After all, Watson’s suspension handed down by an NFL arbitrator Monday was just six games and included no fine.
Plus, Watson forced his way out of Houston and to Cleveland, where he signed a record-setting, fully guaranteed $230 million contract.
Watson also rigged his contract so that any missed games in 2022 now amount to just $345,000 in lost wages from his $1 million base salary this season. Next season, Watson makes $46 million.
And let’s not forget that Watson didn’t play a down for the Texans a year ago and still collected all of his bread for the season.
Watson faced a whopping 24 civil lawsuits filed by women for allegations of sexual misconduct, 20 of which he recently settled.
Fundamentally, the NFL won its case against Watson in the eyes of the arbitrator, retired federal judge Sue L. Robinson.
In her 16-page report, Robinson found Watson guilty of violating the league’s personal conduct policy in three ways: 1) by engaging in sexual assault, 2) by engaging in conduct that poses a genuine danger to the safety and well-being of another person and 3) by engaging in conduct that undermines or puts at risk the integrity of the NFL.
Robinson also wrote that her decision was “limited by the record presented to me.” The case before Robinson was about four women, not all 24.
In its investigation, the NFL interviewed just 12 of the 24 women. Of those 12, only four were used as a basis of the league’s argument that Watson, indeed, did violate the personal conduct policy.
Entering the arbitrator process, the league was seeking an indefinite suspension for Watson’s actions and, reportedly, a fine of $8 million. Most thought that penalty was over the top.
Still, by most accounts, Watson caught a break and received a lenient decision from the NFL arbitrator. Many view his punishment as nothing more than a slap on the wrist.
But Watson didn’t win when it comes to his reputation and how good, decent people view him moving forward.
Criminal or not by the letter of the law, many believe Watson’s actions and behavior were highly questionable and disappointing, at the very least.
It’s just not what you would expect a face-of-franchise player to take part in.
Not only was he playing with his rep, but also the team’s standing in the community.
Even the soft arbitrator called Watson’s actions “egregious.” And that Watson “had a sexual purpose – not just a therapeutic purpose – in making these arrangements with these particular therapists.”
Before this epic scandal broke, Watson was considered a pillar of the community, a good man with excellent morals and values.
And even if you argue that Watson’s activities didn’t reach the proportion for a grand jury to indict him on the former charges, it gave you insight into what kind of man Watson is behind closed doors.
For sure, athletes have made mistakes and redeemed themselves in the healing process.
It just seems as if it will be a harder process because to this day, despite all the trials and tribulations, Watson has refused to believe he has done anything wrong and hasn’t been remorseful.
In order for others to forgive you and heal, you must first sincerely admit your actions were wrong.
It seems inconceivable that Watson still hasn’t gotten it after a year and half of having his charmed life turned upside down.
The NFL now has until Thursday to appeal.
If that happens, Watson’s boat will be sunk. The NFL would be guaranteed a victory because commissioner Roger Goodell would rule in the appeal.
At that time, Watson could receive a longer suspension, a substantial fine and possibly be lost to the Browns for the entire season.
It’s not a slam dunk that the NFL will move off Robinson’s ruling.
But if the league reads the room and women’s groups and advertisers aren’t happy about the ruling, all bets are off, especially if the latter isn’t happy.
Don’t forget that’s how the Washington football team shed its nickname most thought was racist. Many advertisers threatened to pull money from the franchise if the name wasn’t changed.
For sure, Watson isn’t out of woods – even if the suspension stays where it is.
The here and now is that many might believe – including Watson – that he pulled the great escape, pulled the wool over many eyes and is the winner.
But history hasn’t fully been written.
Years from now, Watson’s career and place could be viewed differently, sideways, if you will. And it would be totally understandable.
