The NFL released a statement Friday on its investigation into the allegations of a sexual assault against Deshaun Watson, who the Houston Texans agreed to trade to the Cleveland Browns.
A grand jury chose not to indict Watson for the allegations of sexual assault and harassment, but he still faces 22 civil lawsuits that remain unresolved. The NFL has been investigating the matter since the accusations first started at this time last year. The league has yet to make a ruling on a potential suspension.
“Any transaction would have no effect on the NFL’s ongoing and comprehensive investigation of the serious allegations against Deshaun Watson,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy released on Friday. “Nor would it affect his status under the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the Personal Conduct Policy.
Statement from NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy in light of the Deshaun Watson trade. The league’s investigation is ongoing. pic.twitter.com/p5mCg2fHiS
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 18, 2022
“If the league’s investigation determines that Watson violated the Person Conduct Policy, discipline may be imposed pursuant to the policy and the CBA.”
The Browns, who are set to sign the quarterback to a five-year, $280 million contract, will have to wait for the NFL’s investigation to conclude before knowing if — and potentially for how long — they might lose their quarterback to suspension in 2022 after spending five picks to acquire him.
