The only catch Cleveland right fielder Oscar Mercado was able to make in the ninth inning was a beer can thrown at his face.
Some fans in the notoriously rowdy right-field bleachers at Yankee Stadium pelted Cleveland outfielders with bottles, cans and debris in a chaotic scene Saturday, moments after New York rallied for a 6-5 win.
Report: NFL Will “Probably” Seek Full Season Suspension for Deshaun Watson
This offseason, the Browns traded first-round picks in 2022, 2023 and 2024, a third-round pick in 2022 and a fourth-round pick in 2024 to Houston in exchange for quarterback Deshaun Watson and a late-round pick. Then Cleveland went even further all-in on Watson, who didn’t play all of last season after requesting a trade as allegations of sexual assault made by more than 20 women and corresponding civil lawsuits swirled around him, by giving him a five-year deal worth $230 million, fully guaranteed.
Now practicing with his new team, Watson (who has maintained his innocence and has not been charged criminally after a pair of Texas grand juries failed to indict him) could still face discipline from the NFL for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. If a new report from The Washington Post is accurate, the league’s punishment of the 26-year-old could be quite significant.
Per a person on Watson’s side of the case who spoke to The Post, the NFL will “probably” seek a suspension of one full season for Watson. That opinion is based on a presentation on the case the league made to the NFLPA and Watson’s representatives. Per The Post‘s sources, the league is hoping to complete the disciplinary process, including the NFLPA’s defense of Watson and the resolution of any potential appeal to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, by the start of Cleveland’s training camp on July 27.
Cleveland had to be aware that losing Watson for a year was a possibility as the team did him a massive favor and structured his $230 million contract so that he is due to make a salary of just $1.035 million for the 2022 season. Any suspension would be without pay, but Watson would basically only lose about $1 million if he misses next season unless the NFL seeks to have a fine imposed.
If the league suspends Watson for a season and the ban is upheld on appeal, he’ll end up having missed two straight seasons and will be nearly 28 the next time he steps on an NFL field. In that scenario, the Browns would also have to roll with backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett this season unless the franchise can somehow mend fences with former starter Baker Mayfield.
["Snip!" – Ed.]
What’s best for the league may not end up hurting Watson too much in the wallet, but it could kill the Browns on the field. However this all plays out, unless a settlement is reached, it’ll be fascinating. The clock is ticking til July 27.
I thought a prosecutor could indict a ham sandwich. I don't know anything about these allegations, but two grand juries didn't indict? Presumably with a lower burden of proof than in an actual trial, if I understand correctly.
Anyway, if anyone's curious:
Deshaun Watson’s sexual assault allegations, explained
Anaxagoras wrote: ↑Sat Jun 18, 2022 12:58 pm
I thought a prosecutor could indict a ham sandwich. I don't know anything about these allegations, but two grand juries didn't indict? Presumably with a lower burden of proof than in an actual trial, if I understand correctly.
Anyway, if anyone's curious:
Deshaun Watson’s sexual assault allegations, explained
The prosecutors can. Which makes a refusal to indict (generally) that there is no good evidence at all agains the accused.
NEOtrans real estate blogger Ken Prendergast reported the news in a post Friday, writing that unnamed sources close to team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam told him they want a covered stadium that could cost over $1 billion and are even open to moving the city-owned stadium to a new location near downtown to get it. And so far, the Browns have not denied it.
The six-game suspension is "the most significant punishment ever imposed on an NFL player for allegations of non-violent sexual conduct," Robinson said in her decision, adding that "Mr. Watson's pattern of conduct is more egregious than any before reviewed by the NFL."
...
Watson has the right to appeal the decision within three days, through the NFL Players Association. The league can also file its own appeal.
The NFL says it is "reviewing Judge Robinson's imposition of a six-game suspension and will make a determination on next steps."
Goodell is pushing for a longer suspension and a substantial fine, allegedly.
Jeff Darlington
@JeffDarlington
I'm told NFL is appealing for an indefinite suspension that would be a minimum of one year. But perhaps more significant given the structure of Watson's contract, source tells me the NFL's appeal will also include a monetary fine. Money is now a significant part of the equation.
Watson's side is unhappy about the 6-game suspension.
OJ Simpson is saying whatever in support of the 6-game decision.
Meanwhile:
Ethan Moses
@mynamesmoses
I once went to a game where Austin Davis started cause McCown was hurt & Johny was benched for lying to Pettine about going out. The Browns cross the 50 1 time and settled for 3. They lost 37-3. Watching bad QB play can’t hurt me anymore. I’m already dead inside
Re: More Crushing Disappointment for Cleveland