Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson suspended for six games for sexual misconduct allegations

Deshawn Watson will be seen graduating on May 25 during Brown's team practice in Berea, Ohio.

(CNN) Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshawn Watson has dismissed the NFL's privacy policy for "predatory conduct" during a private meeting with a massage therapist, according to a ruling by a judge jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players. He was suspended for six games for violating the rules. Association.

"While this is the most serious sentence ever handed against his NFL player on nonviolent sex charges, Watson's pattern of behavior is worse than anything the NFL has ever considered. It's a thing," former federal judge Sue L. Robinson said in his 16-page border.

A six-game suspension falls well short of the NFL's request for Watson to be suspended for at least 17 games and a postseason suspension. In his ruling, Robinson criticized the NFL for asking for an unprecedented full-season suspension, far longer than any other player accused of nonviolent sexual conduct.

"It may be perfectly appropriate to discipline tough players for nonviolent sexual conduct, but I don't think it's appropriate to do so without knowing the extraordinary changes this position will bring to the NFL and its players. I will," he wrote.

The NFL or the NFLPA can now appeal in writing to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell within three business days pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement. issue a written decision that constitutes a full and complete sanction and binds the player.”

In a statement, the NFL praised Robinson's "diligence and professionalism" in the process and said it was considering the next steps.

On Sunday night, the NFLPA and Watson issued a joint statement saying they would not appeal regardless of the decision and urged the NFL to do the same.

The ruling comes after a number of women who work as massage therapists filed lawsuits against Watson alleging sexual harassment or misconduct during massage sessions. According to plaintiffs' attorney Tony Busby, a total of 24 women sued the quarterback, and all but one have been settled.

Watson, a three-time Pro Bowler, did not play last season as a member of the Houston Texans due to business issues related to the investigation into the allegations. He has repeatedly denied the accusations against him and said he did not regret his actions.

In March, a grand jury in Harris County, Texas, refused to indict Watson on charges of sexual harassment and assault after ruling that there was insufficient evidence to charge her with illegal conduct. The condition was described as "massage therapy-induced," according to a statement on the NFL's website.

The next day, the Browns traded three first-round picks for Watson and then signed him to a 5-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract, the most guaranteed money in NFL history.

Watson will not be paid during his suspension, but the Browns have drafted his new contract so that his starting salary is $690,000 in his first year and then $46 million for each of the following four years.

Watson's attorney Rusty Hardin told CNN he won't comment until after the NFL decides whether to appeal.

Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam announced Monday that Watson and his agent are following guidelines set by the league and football's governing body.

"We respect Judge Robinson's decision, and at the same time, sympathize and understand that there are many people involved in this process," Haslams said. "We know that Deshaun is saddened that this incident has hurt so many people and he will continue to do the work necessary to show who he is on and off the pitch, and we will continue to support him."

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said he respected the judge's opinion, but he had not read the entire verdict. He offered his support to Watson, who the coach said he would speak to the media later.

"I will stick (by) what we have said with Deshaun personally. I want to emphasize - Deshaun said it - that he is working to be the best he can be. He is committed to it," Stefanski said. "He said it in public, he said it in private and I believe it."

CNN has contacted the players' union for comment.

the public outcry  by judges criticizing NFL

Robinson's ruling comes after he heard the case for three days in late June and reviewed the NFL's 215-page investigation into the Watson case, which included testimony from four doctors.

The ruling said the NFL had proven with more evidence that Watson violated three of the league's privacy policies: sexual harassment, as defined by the NFL. ; behaviour that poses a real danger to the safety and health of others; and behaviour that jeopardizes or compromises the integrity of the NFL.

Robinson also expressed skepticism over Watson's denial of the crime.

"It is difficult to give weight to the full denial when weighed against the credible testimony of investigators who interviewed doctors and other third parties," he wrote.

The most common discipline for domestic violence or sexual assault and battery is a six-game suspension, and previous incidents involving sexual assault, such as Watson's, made up the majority of three-game suspensions, Robinson wrote.

He said the league appeared to be following its decision to protest publicly, citing the situation of former defender Ray Rice. In 2014, the NFL initially suspended Rice for two games for violating the league's domestic violence policy, but later extended the suspension permanently after TMZ Sports released a video of the incident; decision which was eventually overturned by the judge.

"Just as the NFL has responded to violence after public outcry, it appears the NFL has responded to yet another public outcry about Mr Watson's behavior," Robinson wrote. "Here, the NFL is trying to force a radical change in its culture without the benefit of fair warning to - and social consequences for - the population in the NFL under the Rules."

Robinson also ordered Watson to limit his massage therapy to team coaches and doctors for the rest of his career.

Last month, 30 women who filed or plan to file claims against the Texas organization over Watson's alleged misconduct settled their claims, according to a statement released by Buzbee and the owner of the Texas trap. On Monday, Buzbee declined to comment on NFL disciplinary action.

"I said at the outset that civil proceedings and NFL disciplinary proceedings are very different," he said in a statement. "My role is to advance my clients' goals, in civil courts - nothing else. I do that. I am very proud of these women and we are helping legal entities."

Homero De la Fuente of CNN contributed to this report.