When will QB Deshaun Watson return for the Cleveland Browns?

After sexually assaulting massage therapists in violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy, Deshaun Watson has been suspended for 11 games, but he is now permitted to attend team meetings, have one-on-one conversations with the coaches, and work out at the team’s gym.

Earlier in the season, Watson and the Cleveland Browns’ head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke. “We’ll go through what we’re permitted to do with him for the foreseeable future,” Stefanski added. “He is present in the conference rooms with us. He and I both like seeing him with his squad again.” 

Until November 14, Watson cannot participate in team practices. He won’t be allowed to play when the Browns go to his old team, the Houston Texans, in Week 13 on December 4.

Watson is not permitted to speak with Browns coaches or visit the practice facility as of August 30. With the help of his own quarterback coach, Quincy Avery, he has been working out independently.

Stefanski remarked, “He’s in a good situation.” I believe he put in a lot of effort, working both locally and in Cleveland and ensuring he maintained his physical fitness. He just has to finish up a little bit of catching up in the conference room now.

The NFL and NFL Players Association came to an agreement on Watson’s 11-game ban on August 18 after more than a dozen women accused him of sexual assault and improper sexual behavior during massage sessions. Watson was subject to a required treatment program and was also fined $5 million.

In the course of the summer, Watson consented to settle 23 of the 24 claims made against him. However, Watson was not sued by the other two women who made criminal complaints against him. 

In Texas, two grand juries decided against pressing charges against Watson earlier this year. The NFL had to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Watson committed sexual assault, according to Sue L. Robinson, an impartial arbitrator who was jointly chosen by the league and the players’ union. Watson’s actions were “egregious” and “predatory,” according to Robinson’s report’s conclusion.

Watson has consistently denied any misconduct and claimed that people aren’t interested in hearing his side of the story. He said on August 18 that he would “continue to stand by my innocence” following the settlement agreement, adding that “simply because agreements and stuff like that happen, doesn’t suggest that an individual is guilty of anything.”

Everyone, in my opinion, has the opportunity to claim and prove their innocence. In court, we succeeded in doing so, and I hope to carry on with both my personal and professional life. In exchange for Watson, the Browns sent the Texans three first-round selections in March. A new five-year contract worth $230 million guaranteed was also given to Watson by Cleveland, making it the highest-paying NFL deal ever.

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