After allegations from 22 women claiming Deshaun Watson inappropriately touched them while they were working as massage therapists and personal trainers, Watson may not face criminal charges.
Watson’s lawyer, Rusty Hardin, admitted to some consensual encounters between Watson and some of the women who filed lawsuits against him, emphasizing that Watson only engaged in acts that were mutually desired.
The recent suspension of Trevor Bauer for two years by Major League Baseball due to allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault has sparked criticism of the NFL for not taking action against Watson, especially as he prepares to play for the Cleveland Browns in 2022. Expectations are that the NFL will issue a suspension, likely in the range of 4 to 6 games, but some fans believe this is inadequate given the severity of the accusations against Watson.
Twitter users have expressed frustration and confusion over the disparities in treatment between Bauer and Watson, with many questioning why Bauer received a lengthy suspension while Watson secured a lucrative contract despite facing numerous allegations of misconduct.
The MLB’s harsh penalty against Bauer for fewer accusers than Watson has drawn attention to the potential leniency in the NFL’s handling of Watson’s case. If the NFL issues a light suspension, it risks facing backlash from fans. Unless there is a successful appeal or an owner willing to overlook public opinion, Bauer may have thrown his last pitch in the MLB.
