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DW4 Traded to Cleveland

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CloakNNNdagger

Hall of Fame
Ian Rapoport Reporting DW4 expected to be traded by 11-2

Interesting clarification on the NFL Exempt List.
Rapoport failed to include all the criteria for placing a player on the CEL.

The NFL commissioner's exempt list’s three criteria: 1) a player must be charged with a felony offense or a crime of violence, 2) an NFL investigation must lead Goodell “to believe that a player may have violated” the league’s personal conduct policy, and 3) Goodell has the flexibility to temporarily place a player on the exempt list when “a crime of violence is alleged but further investigation is required.”

BTW, legally sexual assault is classified as sexual violence.........i.e., a crime of violence.
 
Ian Rapoport Reporting DW4 expected to be traded by 11-2

Fine, let the Texans play hardball. Next March they will owe Watson $40,400,000 (base salary + signing bonus) to sit out the 2022 season. Maybe at some point in 2022 all the legality will be resolved and they can work an inseason trade before the Nov 2022 trade deadline. Otherwise it may be 2023 before anything is resolved, provided Watson is not sitting in a prison cell. If he is sentenced to time, it may be 2024 or 2025 before he can return to play. And a trade worked out?

This seems to be the hardball the Texans, and trade partners,, are playing.
I heard the words "could, belief, and expectation" although he did say take it for what's it worth. But like @amazing80 I'm surprised on what Rapopart stated regarding the CEL. He says a player has to be charged with a felony or violent crime to be placed on the CEL. That seems to be limited vs what is stated in the NFL Personal Conduct Policy and anything under that policy can lead to being on the CEL while an investigation is ongoing if the NFL choses.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
Fine, let the Texans play hardball. Next March they will owe Watson $40,400,000 (base salary + signing bonus) to sit out the 2022 season. Maybe at some point in 2022 all the legality will be resolved and they can work an inseason trade before the Nov 2022 trade deadline. Otherwise it may be 2023 before anything is resolved, provided Watson is not sitting in a prison cell. If he is sentenced to time, it may be 2024 or 2025 before he can return to play. And a trade worked out?

This seems to be the hardball the Texans, and trade partners,, are playing.
Better play off the field than on the field.
 

amazing80

Hall of Fame
Rapoport failed to include all the criteria for placing a player on the CEL.

The NFL commissioner's exempt list’s three criteria: 1) a player must be charged with a felony offense or a crime of violence, 2) an NFL investigation must lead Goodell “to believe that a player may have violated” the league’s personal conduct policy, and 3) Goodell has the flexibility to temporarily place a player on the exempt list when “a crime of violence is alleged but further investigation is required.”

BTW, legally sexual assault is classified as sexual violence.........i.e., a crime of violence.
If that language is accurate, it seems to say “and” meaning all 3 need to apply. As of now Watson hasn’t been charged.
 

amazing80

Hall of Fame
Rapoport failed to include all the criteria for placing a player on the CEL.

The NFL commissioner's exempt list’s three criteria: 1) a player must be charged with a felony offense or a crime of violence, 2) an NFL investigation must lead Goodell “to believe that a player may have violated” the league’s personal conduct policy, and 3) Goodell has the flexibility to temporarily place a player on the exempt list when “a crime of violence is alleged but further investigation is required.”

BTW, legally sexual assault is classified as sexual violence.........i.e., a crime of violence.
If it were any of the 3 it would say "or"
 

amazing80

Hall of Fame
"And" meaning the 3 possibilities for ending up on the CEL.
That is not how that paragraph reads at all. It states three criteria and includes the word "and". Simply replace the word "and" with "or" and I would agree with you. Based on Watson not being placed on the CEL and the way this reads, I stand by my opinion.
 

paycheck71

Hall of Fame
As of today, besides the question of the court and grand jury status and the question of the NFL's potential actions.....................the Texans are still demanding 3 first round picks +, and the Dolphins are not accepting..............
and the Dolphins are expecting "protection" from potential time lost due to court and/or NFL actions, and the Texans are not accepting.
IMO, 3 firsts and 2 seconds is already a deeply discounted price for a player like DW (assuming there are no off the field issues). If a trade with Miami happens in the next few days at that price, the shared risk is built in between the two teams. The Dolphins can't expect to get a player they really really want on the cheap without assuming some of the risk... When the possibility of a DW trade first came up before all the lawsuits, I figured 5 firsts would be the starting point in any serious negotiation.
 

Corrosion

Idealist
Staff member
As of today, besides the question of the court and grand jury status and the question of the NFL's potential actions.....................the Texans are still demanding 3 first round picks +, and the Dolphins are not accepting..............
and the Dolphins are expecting "protection" from potential time lost due to court and/or NFL actions, and the Texans are not accepting.
Not only that , they cannot offer the equivalent of 3 #1 picks.

They don't own their pick - it goes to Philly.

They own the 49ers pick this year and next. Probably not top 10 and future picks aren't valued as highly.
 

Texansphan

Football connoisseur
Not only that , they cannot offer the equivalent of 3 #1 picks.

They don't own their pick - it goes to Philly.

They own the 49ers pick this year and next. Probably not top 10 and future picks aren't valued as highly.
No-one is going to offer enough draft capital so any deal is going to have to offer some decent players into the mix as well.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
Not only that , they cannot offer the equivalent of 3 #1 picks.

They don't own their pick - it goes to Philly.

They own the 49ers pick this year and next. Probably not top 10 and future picks aren't valued as highly.
I do not think it has been said that Texans want 3 round ones in 2022; only Eagles might have that.

Dolphins have SF first in 22 and theirs and SF 22. That's three equivalent.

Round one 22
Jalen Waddell round one.

CB Xavien Howard debatable but IMO.
 

CWTexansFan

¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Contributor's Club
Can he be traded to Texas Department of Corrections
Where did this post come from?
Love your enthusiasm. Now about that gif :gun:

:coffee:
Alrighty then.
Rapoport failed to include all the criteria for placing a player on the CEL.

The NFL commissioner's exempt list’s three criteria: 1) a player must be charged with a felony offense or a crime of violence, 2) an NFL investigation must lead Goodell “to believe that a player may have violated” the league’s personal conduct policy, and 3) Goodell has the flexibility to temporarily place a player on the exempt list when “a crime of violence is alleged but further investigation is required.”

BTW, legally sexual assault is classified as sexual violence.........i.e., a crime of violence.
If that language is accurate, it seems to say “and” meaning all 3 need to apply. As of now Watson hasn’t been charged.
Group hallucinations? I see it too.
 

CloakNNNdagger

Hall of Fame
Is that an exact quote from somewhere or did you paraphrase it?
Here are the exerpts from the actual policy:

1635172048220.png
PERSONAL CONDUCT POLICY League Policies for Players


Expectations and Standards of Conduct


It is not enough simply to avoid being found guilty of a crime. We are all held to a higher standard and must conduct ourselves in a way that is responsible, promotes the values of the NFL, and is lawful.

Players convicted of a crime or subject to a disposition of a criminal proceeding (as defined in this Policy) are subject to discipline. But even if the conduct does not result in a criminal conviction, players found to have engaged in any of the following conduct will be subject to discipline. Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to the following:

 Actual or threatened physical violence against another person, including dating violence, domestic violence, child abuse, and other forms of family violence;
 Assault and/or battery, including sexual assault or other sex offenses;
 Violent or threatening behavior toward another employee or a third party in any workplace setting;
 Stalking, harassment, or similar forms of intimidation;
 Illegal possession of a gun or other weapon (such as explosives, toxic substances, and the like), or possession of a gun or other weapon in any workplace setting;
 Illegal possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or drugs;
 Possession, use, or distribution of steroids or other performance enhancing substances;
 Crimes involving cruelty to animals as defined by state or federal law;
 Crimes of dishonesty such as blackmail, extortion, fraud, money laundering, or racketeering;
 Theft-related crimes such as burglary, robbery, or larceny;
 Disorderly conduct;
 Crimes against law enforcement, such as obstruction, resisting arrest, or harming a police officer or other law enforcement officer;
 Conduct that poses a genuine danger to the safety and well-being of another person; and
 Conduct that undermines or puts at risk the integrity of the NFL, NFL clubs, or NFL personnel.



Leave with Pay – A player may be placed on paid administrative leave pursuant to the Commissioner Exempt List under either of the following circumstances:

First, when a player is formally charged with a crime of violence, meaning that he is accused of having used physical force or a weapon to injure or threaten another person, of having engaged in a sexual assault by force or a sexual assault of a person who was incapable of giving consent, of having engaged in other conduct that poses a genuine danger to the safety or well-being of another person, or of having engaged in animal abuse. The formal charges may be in the form of an indictment by a grand jury, the filing of charges by a prosecutor, or an arraignment in a criminal court.

Second, when an investigation leads the Commissioner to believe that a player may have violated this Policy by committing any of the conduct identified above, he may act where the circumstances and 5 PCP – LPP 2018 evidence warrant doing so. This decision will not reflect a finding of guilt or innocence and will not be guided by the same legal standards and considerations that would apply in a criminal trial.

In cases in which a violation relating to a crime of violence is suspected but further investigation is required, the Commissioner may determine to place a player on the Commissioner Exempt List on a limited and temporary basis to permit the league to conduct an investigation. Based on the results of this investigation, the player may be returned to duty, be placed on the Commissioner Exempt List for a longer period, or be subject to discipline.
 

amazing80

Hall of Fame
Here are the exerpts from the actual policy:

View attachment 9248
PERSONAL CONDUCT POLICY League Policies for Players


Expectations and Standards of Conduct


It is not enough simply to avoid being found guilty of a crime. We are all held to a higher standard and must conduct ourselves in a way that is responsible, promotes the values of the NFL, and is lawful.

Players convicted of a crime or subject to a disposition of a criminal proceeding (as defined in this Policy) are subject to discipline. But even if the conduct does not result in a criminal conviction, players found to have engaged in any of the following conduct will be subject to discipline. Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to the following:

 Actual or threatened physical violence against another person, including dating violence, domestic violence, child abuse, and other forms of family violence;
 Assault and/or battery, including sexual assault or other sex offenses;
 Violent or threatening behavior toward another employee or a third party in any workplace setting;
 Stalking, harassment, or similar forms of intimidation;
 Illegal possession of a gun or other weapon (such as explosives, toxic substances, and the like), or possession of a gun or other weapon in any workplace setting;
 Illegal possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or drugs;
 Possession, use, or distribution of steroids or other performance enhancing substances;
 Crimes involving cruelty to animals as defined by state or federal law;
 Crimes of dishonesty such as blackmail, extortion, fraud, money laundering, or racketeering;
 Theft-related crimes such as burglary, robbery, or larceny;
 Disorderly conduct;
 Crimes against law enforcement, such as obstruction, resisting arrest, or harming a police officer or other law enforcement officer;
 Conduct that poses a genuine danger to the safety and well-being of another person; and
 Conduct that undermines or puts at risk the integrity of the NFL, NFL clubs, or NFL personnel.



Leave with Pay – A player may be placed on paid administrative leave pursuant to the Commissioner Exempt List under either of the following circumstances:

First, when a player is formally charged with a crime of violence, meaning that he is accused of having used physical force or a weapon to injure or threaten another person, of having engaged in a sexual assault by force or a sexual assault of a person who was incapable of giving consent, of having engaged in other conduct that poses a genuine danger to the safety or well-being of another person, or of having engaged in animal abuse. The formal charges may be in the form of an indictment by a grand jury, the filing of charges by a prosecutor, or an arraignment in a criminal court.

Second, when an investigation leads the Commissioner to believe that a player may have violated this Policy by committing any of the conduct identified above, he may act where the circumstances and 5 PCP – LPP 2018 evidence warrant doing so. This decision will not reflect a finding of guilt or innocence and will not be guided by the same legal standards and considerations that would apply in a criminal trial.

In cases in which a violation relating to a crime of violence is suspected but further investigation is required, the Commissioner may determine to place a player on the Commissioner Exempt List on a limited and temporary basis to permit the league to conduct an investigation. Based on the results of this investigation, the player may be returned to duty, be placed on the Commissioner Exempt List for a longer period, or be subject to discipline.
Well that is different than saying and.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
Here are the exerpts from the actual policy:

View attachment 9248
PERSONAL CONDUCT POLICY League Policies for Players


Expectations and Standards of Conduct


It is not enough simply to avoid being found guilty of a crime. We are all held to a higher standard and must conduct ourselves in a way that is responsible, promotes the values of the NFL, and is lawful.

Players convicted of a crime or subject to a disposition of a criminal proceeding (as defined in this Policy) are subject to discipline. But even if the conduct does not result in a criminal conviction, players found to have engaged in any of the following conduct will be subject to discipline. Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to the following:

 Actual or threatened physical violence against another person, including dating violence, domestic violence, child abuse, and other forms of family violence;
 Assault and/or battery, including sexual assault or other sex offenses;
 Violent or threatening behavior toward another employee or a third party in any workplace setting;
 Stalking, harassment, or similar forms of intimidation;
 Illegal possession of a gun or other weapon (such as explosives, toxic substances, and the like), or possession of a gun or other weapon in any workplace setting;
 Illegal possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or drugs;
 Possession, use, or distribution of steroids or other performance enhancing substances;
 Crimes involving cruelty to animals as defined by state or federal law;
 Crimes of dishonesty such as blackmail, extortion, fraud, money laundering, or racketeering;
 Theft-related crimes such as burglary, robbery, or larceny;
 Disorderly conduct;
 Crimes against law enforcement, such as obstruction, resisting arrest, or harming a police officer or other law enforcement officer;
 Conduct that poses a genuine danger to the safety and well-being of another person; and
 Conduct that undermines or puts at risk the integrity of the NFL, NFL clubs, or NFL personnel.



Leave with Pay – A player may be placed on paid administrative leave pursuant to the Commissioner Exempt List under either of the following circumstances:

First, when a player is formally charged with a crime of violence, meaning that he is accused of having used physical force or a weapon to injure or threaten another person, of having engaged in a sexual assault by force or a sexual assault of a person who was incapable of giving consent, of having engaged in other conduct that poses a genuine danger to the safety or well-being of another person, or of having engaged in animal abuse. The formal charges may be in the form of an indictment by a grand jury, the filing of charges by a prosecutor, or an arraignment in a criminal court.

Second, when an investigation leads the Commissioner to believe that a player may have violated this Policy by committing any of the conduct identified above, he may act where the circumstances and 5 PCP – LPP 2018 evidence warrant doing so. This decision will not reflect a finding of guilt or innocence and will not be guided by the same legal standards and considerations that would apply in a criminal trial.

In cases in which a violation relating to a crime of violence is suspected but further investigation is required, the Commissioner may determine to place a player on the Commissioner Exempt List on a limited and temporary basis to permit the league to conduct an investigation. Based on the results of this investigation, the player may be returned to duty, be placed on the Commissioner Exempt List for a longer period, or be subject to discipline.
When I researched the CBA right after these allegations began, I thought the last one dealing with Integrity is what they could get Watson on. Anything that hurts the team or NFL and his admitted 'over use' of massage and negative PR hurt Texans and NFL. Still might.
 
Last edited:

Lucky

Ride, Captain, Ride!
Staff member
In cases in which a violation relating to a crime of violence is suspected but further investigation is required, the Commissioner may determine to place a player on the Commissioner Exempt List on a limited and temporary basis to permit the league to conduct an investigation.
But hasn't the commissioners office said they are holding off on the investigation until the authorities' (including the FBI) investigations are completed? Seems like Goodell has wittingly tied his own hands.
 

sandman

Brexit Advisor
I don't understand why the league would reward a player by putting them on paid leave
Pretty standard business practice that protects the company. When a complaint is filed, you get them out of the "office" on administrative leave while you investigate the issues. By taking away their pay, the company already assumes an outcome before the investigation is completed, opening themselves up to lawsuits.
 

CloakNNNdagger

Hall of Fame
The closer we get to Nov. 2, the more anonymous "sources" come out of the wall.

*****************************************************************************************
Source: Deshaun Watson open to trade destinations besides Miami Dolphins as Carolina Panthers emerge as option
8:29 AM CT
Jeremy Fowler ESPN Staff Writer

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, is willing to consider multiple options for a new team as the trade deadline looms, a source told ESPN.

Multiple teams are interested in Watson, and although his interest in joining the Dolphins has become a worst-kept secret of sorts in league circles, the source disputed the notion that it's simply Miami or bust.

The Dolphins remain a strong contender to land Watson in a trade, but he will consider potential options as they come because his primary goal is to get out of Houston, according to sources. The Texans also want to maximize Watson's trade value with prospective teams.

One emerging option is the Carolina Panthers, who are evaluating their pursuit of a franchise quarterback after Sunday's ugly 25-3 loss to the New York Giants, sources have confirmed to ESPN.

The growing expectation is Carolina could reignite Watson talks soon. Carolina was a serious suitor early in the 2021 offseason before sexual assault allegations against Watson surfaced, but Houston general manager Nick Caserio wasn't engaging with teams at that time, sources

The Athletic first reported the Panthers' renewed interest in Watson. The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. ET.
The Panthers traded second-, fourth- and sixth-round draft picks to the New York Jets this past April for Sam Darnold, who has struggled mightily in recent weeks.

Darnold was benched early in the fourth quarter Sunday but will remain Carolina's starter "going forward," according to coach Matt Rhule, who said he made the quarterback switch against the Giants because the Panthers "needed somewhat of a spark."

The benching came three days after Darnold was given a vote of confidence by Rhule, who was asked about the possibility of the Panthers pursuing Watson in a trade. Rhule told reporters Thursday that Darnold "is going to be a great quarterback for the Carolina Panthers" and that he is "not looking anywhere else," regarding Watson.

One league source told ESPN that the belief is the last-place Dolphins, who fell to 1-6 with Sunday's loss to the Falcons, do not want to bid against themselves for Watson. Tua Tagovailoa, who likely would be a part of any Watson trade involving the Dolphins, threw a career-high four touchdown passes against Atlanta, but Miami lost its sixth straight game.
THE REST OF THE STORY
 

CloakNNNdagger

Hall of Fame
This Charlotte Observer article should tether the Carolina enthusiasm with a dose of reality.


***********************************************************************************************
What you need to know about Deshaun Watson and the Panthers’ potential interest
By Jonathan M. Alexander
October 25, 2021 5:16 PM

As Sam Darnold continues to struggle, the talks surrounding Deshaun Watson and the Panthers’ pursuit of him will only heat up.

The Panthers hadn’t engaged in any trade talks with the Texans for Watson up until Sunday’s game. That likely changes now. The Panthers left Sunday’s game knowing that they have to do something.

Darnold was benched Sunday after finishing 16-of-25 passing for 111 yards and an interception — his seventh pick thrown in the past four games, all of which the Panthers have lost.

What should Carolina make of the Watson situation? Here are some answers to questions you may have:

What are the allegations against Watson?

Watson is involved in 22 different civil lawsuits from women alleging sexual assault and that he exhibited inappropriate behavior with multiple massage therapists.

His lawyer has denied all wrongdoing. The NFL and the Houston Police Department are investigating.

Is Deshaun Watson suspended?

No. However, if he were to join a new team that wanted to make him active, the NFL could place him on the commissioner’s exempt list while they investigate. He could miss the entire season.

Have the Panthers expressed interest?

Yes, the Panthers have long been interested. The Panthers attempted to engage with the Texans in trade talks for Watson this past offseason before they got Darnold in a trade.

But the Texans refused to pick up the phone, and interest died down when the allegations against him came to light.

Is Deshaun Watson interested in joining the Panthers

It is unclear whether Watson has interest in joining the Panthers. He has a no-trade clause in his contract, meaning he would have to approve whatever team he is traded to.

It has been reported that he would approve going to Miami, and is willing to consider other options.

When is the NFL trade deadline?

Nov. 2.

How much would a trade for Deshaun Watson cost?

A trade for Watson would cost at least three first-round draft picks and would likely be the biggest trade in recent NFL history. The Rams sent two first-round draft picks, a third-round pick and Jared Goff to the Lions in exchange for Matthew Stafford.

Watson is considered a better quarterback than Stafford and seven years younger. Watson is 26 and is now entering his prime.

Downsides

▪ The message it sends to the world, especially if the allegations against Watson are true. When David Tepper bought the Panthers from longtime owner Jerry Richardson, who had become engulfed in a scandal of his own where he was accused of racial and sexual misconduct, Tepper vowed to change the workplace culture he inherited.

Watson may not even be available to a team when he’s traded. The NFL could choose to put him on the commissioner’s exempt list until they conclude their investigation.

If the allegations are proven true, the NFL could later suspend him.

▪ It will cost a fortune. The Panthers would have to forfeit at least three first-round draft picks. The Panthers are already without their 2022 second-, third- and fourth-round draft picks.

They traded away the second- and fourth-round picks to the Jets for Darnold. They traded their third-round pick in the Dan Arnold-C.J. Henderson deal.

A quarterback alone will help but won’t fix the Panthers’ problems. Their offensive line is bad, the playcalling hasn’t worked and the receivers have struggled.

What has Matt Rhule said about it

Rhule was asked directly about the Panthers’ interest in Watson and whether he would contact the Texans.

“You guys know that wasn’t from me,” Rhule said in regards to a report indicating the Panthers would pursue Watson. “I really have nothing to add to that. My focus is on this team. We are a 3-4 football team right now. And we’ve got to find a way to win this week.”

He said Darnold will remain the starter for Week 8 against the Atlanta Falcons.

“What our team doesn’t need right now is a distracted coach,” Rhule said. “They need me focused on the matter at hand, and that’s finding a way to win.”

What is Deshaun Watson’s salary cap number?

Watson has a $15.9 million cap number for 2021, according to overthecap.com. It increases to $40.4 million in 2022. He’s signed through the 2025 season.

What is Sam Darnold’s cap number

Darnold counts $4.7 million against the cap this year. However, the Panthers picked up the fifth-year option on his contract prior to the season.

He’s due $18.8 million, with all but $300,000 guaranteed in 2022. Moving on from him would be difficult financially if Carolina couldn’t find a team to trade with that wanted to take on his contract.
 

CloakNNNdagger

Hall of Fame
This new article essentially corroborates the points that I have posted over the past few weeks.

************************************************************
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
3 hours ago


5 Things to Know About the Deshaun Watson Trade Rumors
Jenny Vrentas

We discussed the Week 7 on-field developments in the Sunday FreakOut and on The MMQB Podcast. Albert Breer wrote about the Bengals’ rise in his MMQB column, while Conor Orr took a look at what may be a lean year for a Chiefs team that had been near-perfect the past two seasons.

But with the trade deadline one week away, the topic that is being talked about more than any other around the NFL and in the media is whether Deshaun Watson, who is facing 22 civil suits and 10 criminal complaints by women alleging sexual harassment or misconduct during massage appointments, will be traded. (Watson has denied any wrongdoing.) Sports Illustrated has reported extensively on the allegations against Watson since March, and in today’s column, we are going to focus on the context and information that has largely been left out of the conversation about Watson’s football future.

1. The NFL has the authority to place Watson on the commissioner’s exempt list without criminal charges.


On Sunday, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported that he has “not heard” that Watson is going to be placed on the exempt list, the NFL’s version of paid leave for individuals being investigated under the personal conduct policy. Before the misconduct allegations against Watson were made public in March, he had already made clear he no longer wanted to play for the Texans, which has meant the NFL has been able to get by without making a decision on Watson since he’s not in public view. But Rapoport said it’s his understanding that the NFL would not use the exempt list even if another team trades for Watson. His explanation was that Watson has not been charged with a felony or violent crime. While that is true, it’s also only one of the circumstances under which Roger Goodell can use the list. Another is if an investigation leads Goodell to believe that a player “may have” violated the policy. In past cases where Goodell has used the exempt list without criminal charges, there was the public release of evidence, such as personal documents in which Josh Brown appeared to admit to abusing his wife in 2016 and when video surfaced of Kareem Hunt shoving and kicking a woman during an incident in 2018. But there’s also another situation that’s important to consider: In 2019, the NFL didn’t put Antonio Brown on the exempt list immediately after a former trainer filed a civil suit alleging rape (the lawsuit has been settled out of court). But, later that season, after league investigators met with the plaintiff and an artist Brown threatened after she told SI her account of Brown’s sexual misconduct, several outlets then reported the NFL was prepared to place Brown on the exempt list if any team signed him. By that point, the NFL had collected information in the course of its investigation that supported the use of the exempt list. And it has had the opportunity to do so in the seven months since the first civil suit was filed against Watson. As of August, 10 of the plaintiffs suing Watson had already met with the NFL, with an 11th scheduled at the time.

2. There is corroborating information that supports at least some of the women’s accounts.

(We say “at least some,” because we can only speak to what we, at Sports Illustrated, have independently corroborated.) We know the impact of photos or videos, but the reality is that they rarely exist for allegations of sexual misconduct. In this case, in addition to the detailed accounts of about two dozen women that closely mirror each other, SI has reviewed corroborating information in the course of our reporting that the NFL would likely also be able to obtain in its investigation.

In our story detailing the account of “Mary,” a massage therapist who said Watson behaved inappropriately during their 2019 appointment, we reviewed messages Mary sent to Watson when he tried to book again with her. She told him he’d made her uncomfortable in their previous session, and wrote in one message, “I just do massage.” We spoke to a relative she called directly following the session, whose account of what Mary told her then aligned with Mary’s account to SI. Later, we also spoke to a veteran therapist who had referred Watson to Mary, and she confirmed that Mary reported concerns about Watson’s conduct to her after the appointment. And we reviewed a text message this therapist sent to Mary in 2019, in which the veteran therapist wrote, “whether the creepy stuff is his intention or not, he does it every time,” adding the parenthetical, “only 1 therapist hasn’t complained.” (Mary has not filed a lawsuit.)

For the account of Ashley Solis, we independently reviewed a Facebook messenger exchange sent the the day after Solis’s appointment with Watson. “I have a colleague that was solicited during a session by a professional athlete at her in-home studio,” a therapist whom Solis worked with wrote, seeking advice from the same industry veteran who connected Mary with Watson. These are just two of the accounts, but they show the kind of corroborating information that can be collected separate from the criminal investigation or civil court proceedings.

3. Some of the allegations won’t result in criminal charges.

There’s been a lot of emphasis on whether Watson will face criminal charges, which in Texas would be decided by a grand jury for felony counts. But it’s important to keep in mind that many of the allegations don’t rise to a felony level and thus may not get the same consideration. Of the 10 criminal complaints that had been filed against Watson as of last month, three alleged sexual assault, defined in Texas as nonconsensual penetration. This is a second-degree felony. The other seven alleged indecent assault—this includes allegations that Watson purposely touched a therapist’s hand with his penis without her consent—which in Texas is a misdemeanor offense. “Some people might feel like indecent exposure or some of these more misdemeanor sexual offenses are minimal and not worth pursuing,” Elizabeth Boyce, director of policy and advocacy for the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, told SI earlier this year. “But actually, these are patterns of behavior that often become worse over time.” And some of the plaintiffs have not filed criminal complaints. There’s no one-size-fits-all response for people who have experienced trauma, especially given that the criminal justice system is often ill-equipped to deal with sexual violence. As such, criminal charges are not the sole determinant of if a person committed a wrongdoing and inflicted harm on another person.

4. Watson’s camp is motivated to get a deal done.

The Texans are as well, though they've to this point made clear they won’t move off their expected trade compensation in order to move Watson sooner. We say this because it’s difficult to parse out how much of the reported interest in Watson is real, and how much of it is his camp or the Texans trying to stoke the trade market. With that in mind, it was interesting that Peter King reported in his Monday column, “I do hear that Miami owner Stephen Ross is not pushing his football people to deal for Watson right now.” This throws some cold water on the notion that a deal with Miami, the team Watson’s camp has made clear he’d waive his no-trade clause for, has been on the verge for weeks. We’ll find out in the next seven days, but there are many people around the league who can’t fathom the idea of a team trading for Watson right now—even if their objections are less about morality and more about asset protection.

5. The first plaintiff began seeking recourse well before Watson’s trade demand.

We’ve covered this before, but it bears repeating for those who have suggested that the allegations against Watson were linked in some way to his not wanting to play for the Texans anymore. The message Solis’s colleague sent the veteran therapist, seeking advice, was sent the day after Solis’s appointment with Watson in March 2020. Solis also told SI that she told her father what happened the day of the session. She asked him not to tell anyone, but he reached out to one of her aunts, and she soon heard from a lawyer. As we reported in August, Solis said this lawyer was going to represent her but then told her they could not take her case after running it past a higher-up at his firm. She was passed off to several other lawyers but gave up for a few months, before being connected with Cornelia Brandfield-Harvey, an attorney at Tony Buzbee’s firm, in early December 2020. This was about a month before Watson made his trade demand to the Texans.
 

thunderkyss

Just win baby!!!
Staff member
Contributor's Club
You know what is astonishing. Why teams wouldn’t wait until at least the civil stuff is settled yes it will take a while. However, as depositions come out it will be impossible as it is now to put him on the field
The only way the NFL would suspend him is if some woke group started making noise. That woke group would have to be one who is not happy with the way the NFL is handling the situation.

There's no difference between him sitting on our bench & getting paid & playing for some other team. If those groups won't be happy with him playing, they shouldn't be happy about him getting paid with a defacto approval from the NFl.

That's the problem. That the NFL obviously does not have a problem with Watson or his accusations.

I doubt any group makes a stink about Watson playing this year. Maybe after the depositions & stuff leak. But right now... no.
 

Brisco_County

Apples and roadmaps
The only way the NFL would suspend him is if some woke group started making noise. That woke group would have to be one who is not happy with the way the NFL is handling the situation.

There's no difference between him sitting on our bench & getting paid & playing for some other team. If those groups won't be happy with him playing, they shouldn't be happy about him getting paid with a defacto approval from the NFl.

That's the problem. That the NFL obviously does not have a problem with Watson or his accusations.

I doubt any group makes a stink about Watson playing this year. Maybe after the depositions & stuff leak. But right now... no.
My prediction back in April was that the only repercussions he'll face would be legal fees, fines, and donations to women's shelters for the rest of his pro career. There's just too much money at stake for any penalties to go beyond that. It will be sealed with an insincere public apology and some "soul searching."

C'est la vie dans la NFL. I'll just be happy he's no longer associated with my team.
 

djohn2oo8

All Pro
The trade was done over the weekend. Of coarse they are going to see how things end up. But...They agreed on terms..This is from my source and I said Sunday it would be leaked Tonight
That makes no sense to agree to a trade and demanding the legal stuff be completed.
 

TexansBull

Hall of Fame
This is being quoted as saying a deal in done. It’s from McClain so…

“The compensation has been agreed to, according to sources familiar with the situation. The Texans should get the three first-round picks they’ve been asking for, but Caserio might have to accept lesser picks than the second-round selections he’s demanded.

Dolphins’ owner Stephen Ross has approved a Watson trade, but he wants his legal issues resolved. The only way for Watson to do that before the trade deadline would be to settle the 22 civil suits. League sources say Watson doesn’t want to settle his cases because he believes it would be an admission of guilt.

Before a deal can be completed, Ross would have to find out from commissioner Roger Goodell if Watson would be suspended under the personal conduct policy, and if so, how many games he would miss.”

 

djohn2oo8

All Pro
This is being quoted as saying a deal in done. It’s from McClain so…

“The compensation has been agreed to, according to sources familiar with the situation. The Texans should get the three first-round picks they’ve been asking for, but Caserio might have to accept lesser picks than the second-round selections he’s demanded.

Dolphins’ owner Stephen Ross has approved a Watson trade, but he wants his legal issues resolved. The only way for Watson to do that before the trade deadline would be to settle the 22 civil suits. League sources say Watson doesn’t want to settle his cases because he believes it would be an admission of guilt.

Before a deal can be completed, Ross would have to find out from commissioner Roger Goodell if Watson would be suspended under the personal conduct policy, and if so, how many games he would miss.”

So it’s not done. That article makes no sense. They wouldn’t be asking about the suspension after agreeing they would be asking before.
 

CloakNNNdagger

Hall of Fame
Has anyone followed even single cases that that go to settlement...........and how long from "agreement" to settlement to actual settlement............and how many "agreements to settlement" fall through prior to final consummation? Now follow 22 cases of different severities and 22 plaintiffs of potentially different mindsets and try to imagine the pitfalls that can occur.............in less than 7 days. And that's not even accounting for the Grand Jury and criminal investigations.
 
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