In March, a grand jury found Deshaun Watson not guilty of the 22 sexual misconduct cases against him. Although the Cleveland Browns quarterback wasn't indicted, 22 cases remained open in civil court. And, since then, two more civil cases opened up against him.
The NFL has been involved since August of last year, investigating the situation to determine an appropriate punishment. Shortly after Roger Goodell was ready to wrap up the investigation, Akron Beacon Journal reported that Watson settled 20 out of the 24 civil cases against him.
When originally reported, it was unclear how this development would impact the league's investigation. However, the league was quick to respond, stating that the news “has no impact on the collectively bargained disciplinary process.”
NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted the response from NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy.
Meanwhile, the Browns are continuing to move ahead with Watson as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. The team signed Watson to a massive contract after he was traded to Cleveland by the Houston Texans.
Since the trade in March, Watson has spent a lot of time with his new teammates, attending OTAs and hosting practices this offseason. When asked about the quarterback, Kevin Stefanski said that he is “respectful of the investigation” and of “the legal proceedings.”
The legal portion of the situation is settled, as is the majority of the civil portion. Now, the only things standing between Watson and his career are the four remaining civil cases and the potential punishment from the NFL.