Watson was originally set to serve a six-game suspension issued by arbitrator Sue L. Robinson for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
The settlement came as a surprise to many; it was reported earlier in the week that a season-long ban was in play. The league appealed Robinson’s ruling to Goodell’s designated representative, former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey.
Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, who is representing women who have accused Watson of sexual assault and misconduct, had strong feelings about the settlement. He went after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement Thursday, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
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Goodell said in explaining the settlement:
Watson will be eligible for reinstatement after Week 12. His first game action with the Browns could come in Week 13 against the Texans, his former team, in Houston.
He is scheduled to make $1 million this season under the terms of his fully guaranteed $230 million contract extension. The deal’s structure mitigated his losses as it anticipated a league suspension.
