Editor’s Note: This story contains reports of sexual assault. If you or someone you know is a survivor of assault, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at: 1-800-656-4673 or at https://www.rainn.org.
On the same day that the NFL and its players’ union reached a settlement agreement that would include an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine for Brown’s quarterback Deshaun Watson, the attorney representing the plaintiffs who filed lawsuits against Watson for sexual harassment and assault brought a damning statement detailing the actions of the league and commissioner Roger Goodell.
“By solving this case as he has done, Roger Goodell has proved one of two things: either his recent rhetoric was utter nonsense, or his bark is far worse than his bite,” attorney Tony Buzbee wrote. “My belief is that he is nothing more than a paper tiger. Today’s message to all victims is clear: If you think you have been sexually abused by a powerful person, shut up and leave. The NFL has certainly shown that it doesn’t care about its property and the organization.”
Buzbee was referring to comments Goodell made following a disciplinary officer’s initial recommendation of a six-game suspension for Watson. After the ruling, Goodell cited evidence from a competition investigation and described Watson’s behavior towards dozens of massage therapists as “outrageous” and “predatory.”
Watson has been the subject of an investigation into reports of sexual harassment and assault that has lasted over a year. Detailed graphic accounts of Watson’s sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions range from Watson refusing to cover his genitals to the QB” touching [a plaintiff] with his penis and tried to force her to do oral sex with him.” Watson was not charged after two Texas grand juries refused to charge him in the spring.
After Thursday’s settlement was announced, Watson released a statement apologizing for “any pain this situation has caused” while taking “responsibility for the decisions [he] At the same time, he maintains his innocence and denies the charges against him.
Buzbee concluded his statement with words of encouragement to all other victims of sexual assault and urged them to keep quiet and not be stunned by Thursday’s news.
“To all survivors of sexual assault, don’t be put off by this recent ‘punishment,'” Buzbee wrote. “Keep speaking and keep speaking. Your vote matters. You make the difference. We stand with you.”
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