The National Organization of Women (NOW) have expressed their anger at the fact that NFL player Deshaun Watson has been given a very small punishment amid sexual misconduct allegations.
The Cleveland Browns quarterback will face a six-game suspension from the sport, yet will not be fined at all.
Browns coach: “I’m going to respect this process” in regards to Deshaun Watson’s suspension
That ruling was made following an investigation into him after allegations of sexual misconduct by more than two dozen women.
What did the National Organization of Women say about Deshaun Watson?
As has been argued by the NOW, the NFL and the Cleveland Browns had already been making exceptions for Watson in regard to his contract.
“It is unacceptable, insulting, and dangerous – but not surprising – that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will face merely a six-game suspension – with no fines – following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct made by more than two dozen women,” their statement started.
“The NFL and the multi-billion-dollar sports industry have a vested interest in enabling sexual misconduct, assault, and violence.
“They even wrote it into Deshaun Watson‘s 230 million dollar contract!
“The Browns knew that their star recruit would be suspended for at least part of this year’s season because of his record of sex offences, and so they restructured his contract to make the majority of his 46m dollar first-year payout a ‘signing bonus’ and not tied to him playing actual games.”
The statement then went on to explain that the player shouldn’t be allowed to profit from the situation and the NFL has got a lot of work to do if they are to change the culture in the sport and the organisation.
“Deshaun Watson must not be allowed to profit from his horrific behaviour, and the NFL must change its business model that allows, enables, and hides sexual misconduct into one that respects women and holds abusers accountable,” the NOW continued.
“Shame on the Cleveland Browns for rewarding Deshaun Watson and shame on the NFL for perpetuating a system where money talks, and women aren’t heard.”
