MLB's recent Trevor Bauer suspension should have major ripple effects on the NFL, Cleveland Browns, and Deshaun Watson. The Browns expected Watson to receive a fairly minimal suspension when they acquired him from the Houston Texas earlier in the offseason. Anywhere from 4-8 games seemed realistic as punishment for Watson. However, he was accused by 22 women of sexual misconduct. Trevor Bauer faced no legal charges for his sexual misconduct and was accused by far less women. So it seems inevitable that Watson is going to face a longer suspension than anticipated after Trevor Bauer was recently suspended two years by MLB.
Bauer is currently appealing the suspension. There is a chance that he gets the punishment shorted. But as of now, the Dodgers' star pitcher is facing two whole MLB seasons.
Legal proceedings are still in action when it comes to Deshaun Watson. He has yet to face any charges but that could change once his investigation comes to a conclusion. But it seems that regardless of what the court rules for Watson, the NFL is going to be forced into handing him a one year suspension at the very least. MLB and NFL don't have to coincide with one another when it comes to rulings on suspensions. But it would be a bad look for football if Watson received minimal punishment while Bauer serves his two years.
There are people in the NFL's league office that were already pushing for strict action against Watson. Those people can now use the Bauer suspension as reference. And if the NFL decides to compare punishments with Bauer, there is a chance that Watson gets two years.
The Cleveland Browns surely wish that the Bauer decision had come to fruition prior to acquiring Watson. If Watson is forced to miss an extended period of time it could be grounds for bringing back Baker Mayfield. Mayfield reportedly requested a trade during the offseason but the Browns have failed to find a trade parter for the QB.
The final note worth making in regards to Trevor Bauer and Deshaun Watson is that Bauer is already 31 years old, while Watson is just 26. So a two-year suspension could realistically lead to the end of Bauer's career. Making a return at 33 years old won't be easy. He has to be hoping that his appeal pans out. But Watson could easily make a return at 28 if he is indeed handed a two-year suspension.
Again, the NFL has not announced their intentions in regards to a punishment for Watson. But it is likely going to be somewhat similar to what Bauer received.
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