Deshaun Watson case only receives six-game ban

Debate has exploded between NFL fans and beyond as news of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s six game ban surfaced. The ban centers around the 24 civil cases brought against Watson for sexual misconduct.

Watson has settled 23 of the cases and was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing. But an independent investigation launched on behalf of the NFL found that deemed that he had violated its code of conduct. There were suggestions that the league would push for a year-long ban, but Judge Sue Robinson, an independent retired judge brought in for the investigation, deemed six games was enough.

Many major outlets and prominent voices in the space voiced their disdain for such a comparatively lenient punishment. Sports Illustrated pointed out that other players had received similar punishments for gambling, while others were served season-long bans for insider trading.The Browns already faced criticism for pursuing Watson while most of the civil cases were still open, eventually offering a deal worth more than $200 million.