$5 Million & 11 Games Is the Cost Deshaun Watson Would Have to Pay for Playing in the NFL

Deshaun Watson had his D-Day today. Even after getting a six-game suspension from a retired federal judge, Sue L. Robinson, things have not smoothened over for the Cleveland QB1. The NFL has decided to increase that suspension by 5 games. So now the punishment for the $230 Million contract holder, would be $5 Million in fine and 11 games off the field. Plus some other caveats.

This comes after a long delay, as many journalists and NFL analysts noted the NFL is quick and just in such matters. Deshaun Watson had serious and numerous allegations against him, so the assumption follows that the league wanted to be as thorough as possible for this particular decision.

The suspension will take effect from August 30th. The NFL season starts on September 8th. NFL Insiders broke the news through their Twitter channels:

The punishment has ignited a fierce Twitter frenzy. Everyone has something to say. Here is what the suspended quarterback had to say about the situation:

The NFL World stands divided and especially the way Deshaun Watson’s statements are being perceived is a topic of hot discussion right now. The future of this decision is still unknown. Its repercussions too will only play out in due course. This isn’t an issue that is bound by the seasons of the NFL.

The NFL Explains What It’ll Do With The Millions In Fine On Deshaun Watson

The NFL knew that there would be backlash no matter what decision they came up with. The situation is such that there is no way to make a universally acceptable resolution. Yet, they seem to have given transparency a very fair shot. As this tweet clarifies:

And as far as the fine is concerned, here’s what the millions will go towards:

The League invests million into communications, imaging, and PR. Thus, it is not surprising that they are making the right moves. The sensitivity is also showcased through the additional ruling on Deshaun Watson. As per ESPN, the Cleveland Quarterback will have to “undergo mandatory evaluation by behavioral experts and follow their suggested treatment program.” 

People may still stand divided on whether the punishment was justified, or should there have been more, and that’s their prerogative. But the NFL had to come up with a decision soon or else the messaging would have been very poor.

In recent times, we’ve seen the league open up to the ideas of social justice and reform on the field as well. And this is in line with that thought process.

Read More: Cleveland Fans Send Browns on a Guilt Trip For Trading Off Baker Mayfield and Handing Deshaun Watson A Hefty Contract All for Nothing

Yes, a large part will still label it as performative. But again, it can be argued that the league was in a Lose-Lose situation.

Cleveland Browns put out a statement following Deshaun Watson’s Suspension

The team which found itself making record-breaking deals at the QB position will now be filling up the starting role with a backup QB from the looks of it. In any case, this is the statement that the Team put out after the suspension notice.

It is hard to say whether the coach and Jimmy Haslam will go back and make that $230 million contract offering trade again. What is your take on the Deshaun Watson suspension? Was it fair, too much, or too little?

Watch this story: After Break Up With Pete Davidson, Casinos Are Taking Bets On Kim Kardashians Next Boyfriend, And Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Is A Favorite