The national and local Cleveland media has been on a clickbait rampage lately concerning the Browns new starting quarterback. First, let me say, I’m not here to judge or pronounce guilt or innocence. The “Baker Bros” and “Baker Haters” do enough of that on Browns twitter. I’m a believer in letting the system play out, fairly or unfairly. But some of the judgements presented by the media have been ridiculous. This week, the league met with Watson to hear his side of the story. It’s called due diligence. The league felt there were false reports floating around and wanted clarity from Watson. The leaking of the taped deposition testimony to a local Cleveland television station moved process along. The testimony was leaked by the plaintiff’s attorney, Tony Buzzbee, to advance the settlement process forward. How am I sure Buzzbee leaked the video? The plaintiff’s attorneys took the deposition and were the only ones with access to the video and the ten-minute clip was very unfavorable to Watson. Court of public opinion goes a long way in today’s world.
So, the NFL investigation is still gathering facts. Today it was announced the league would be interviewing Watson again because next Tuesday night several of Watson’s accusers will be interviewed on HBO’s Real Sports with Brian Gumbel. Tony Buzzbee is really pushing for a settlement, and I could see why. Legal experts estimate to settlement amount to all 22 plaintiffs could be between $35 to $55 million. As for the league investigation, it’s headed by Lisa Friel, a special counsel for investigations by the league. She is investigating if Watson violated the leagues personal conduct policy as stated in the 2020 CBA.
Here’s where it gets speculative. Will the league end their investigation prior to cases being settled monetarily or in court? I just can’t see that happening. Upon completion, the investigative report will be presented to former U.S. District Court Judge Sue Robinson an impartial arbitrator agreed on by both the league and the players union. She will determine if there is a suspension and its length. If the NFL suspends Watson now and further incriminating evidence comes out at a later date, the league will not be able to suspend Watson a second time. I know Mike Florio has been pushing this notion, but it won’t happen. Running back Ray Rice was suspended for assaulting his girlfriend. TMZ later released the video of the attack, and the league gave Rice a harsher penalty. Rice sued the league and won based on the legal premise of “Double Jeopardy.” The NFL won’t let that happen again. Florio is a lawyer, but I think he’s let his Steeler fandom cloud his legal judgement.
Would the league like for Watson to settle? Sure. They probably want to deal with their other problems. Like one owner who wanted to pay his head coach to throw games and another owner who was pimping out cheer leaders and skimming revenue from the other owners, allegedly. As much as the media would like for this to be over, I just can’t see it happening unless Watson settles. If he’s innocent and that’s a big assumption, then why would he settle. “Baker Bros” will say he doesn’t want to settle because of the money. I’ll counter with this argument, if he’s guilty and more evidence comes out, then the $35 to $55 million previously stated will look like pocket change.
Finally, the Browns have to have general knowledge of if there will be a suspension and its length. The current front office is too smart not to have a general idea. This statement will send the “Baker Bros” into the Andrew Berry is clueless rant because their favorite quarterback hasn’t been traded yet. Tough. Mayfield will be traded, and he won’t play another snap for the Cleveland Browns. Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.