With questions nonetheless swirling across the NFL’s investigation into Deshaun Watson, one other vital level within the course of has been reached. The league has concluded its interviews with the Browns quarterback, as detailed by Brent Schrotenboer of USA As we speak.
In response to Watson’s lawyer, Rusty Hardin, the NFL has carried out a “hell of an in depth investigation” within the wake of 23 lawsuits filed in opposition to him alleging sexual misconduct. Hardin added that the league — which met with the 26-year-old on two separate events — interviewed him for “a complete of 4 days.”
This newest replace comes not lengthy after commissioner Roger Goodell mentioned the league was nearing the conclusion of its investigation, which is unrelated to the continued civil litigation Watson is dealing with. With the interview course of full, consideration will now flip to the disciplinary choice the league will make, which may embrace a high-quality, suspension and extra punishment sooner or later pending the results of the civil trials.
“I don’t wish to extoll on how detailed their investigation has been in case when they make their thoughts up that we severely object — which I feel there could also be an excellent risk of that — however we simply don’t know,” Hardin mentioned. He and his team, together with Watson himself, have maintained that the Professional Bowler has finished nothing unlawful, which is the conclusion two grand juries have come to with respect to felony expenses.
The civil cases are nonetheless certain for trial at this level, but it surely has lengthy been recognized that none of them will go to courtroom in the course of the upcoming NFL season. By the point that course of begins, the league may have handed down its self-discipline, however within the absence of settlement agreements being reached, it’s going to stay a serious speaking level for the Browns’ franchise signal-caller.