Along with the 11-game suspension and $5 million fine, Deshaun Watson agreed with the NFL to attend mandatory counseling. And, it’s been reported that he’s already started it.
https://twitter.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1561692410953863168?s=20&t=G9MNBA2Auvng7l5dkqNXmg
Watson was suspended for six games by Judge Sue Robinson, but then the NFL appealed the decision in hopes of getting him suspended for longer. But then, the NFL and NFLPA agreed to settle on a suspension of 11 games.
When the suspension was announced, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said that Watson was committed to participating in the counseling.
“Deshaun has committed to doing the hard work on himself that is necessary for his return to the NFL. This settlement requires compliance with a professional evaluation and treatment plan, a significant fine, and a more substantial suspension. We are grateful to Judge Robinson and Peter Harvey for their efforts in addressing these matters, which laid the foundation for reaching this conclusion.”
But, this counseling won’t be easy. If Watson continues to maintain innocence, there may not be any signs of change. But, like Browns’ co-owner Dee Haslam said, counseling takes time.
“I do think in counseling Deshaun will learn a lot more about himself. Counseling takes time. You do not just go to a counseling session, wake up and understand the impact it has. I think it is a layering effect, and it takes weeks, months and a long time to get to where you understand so much more about yourself. I think Deshaun has made progress from the time he came here to now. He is making progress, but it is not going to happen overnight. He is 26 years old, and he is just getting into counseling; it is going to take some time.”
Hopefully, with the time that Deshaun Watson is in counseling, he can make himself a better person. But, in the meantime, our eyes will be on Jacoby Brissett as the Browns’ starting quarterback.