Lawyer urges Roger Goodell to “do the right thing.”
An attorney representing the 24 women who have accused Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and harassment said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has a chance to “do the right thing” now that the league has appealed the six-game suspension imposed on the Cleveland Browns quarterback.
“Every victim of sexual assault is watching Roger Goodell and the NFL now….. Mr. Goodell, what will you do? It’s never too late to do the right thing,” noted attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents the women who sued Deshaun Watson. “That’s what these women and others who are watching are hoping.”
The NFL’s appeal of the sanction imposed by a league disciplinary official gives Roger Goodell or someone he appoints the authority to stiffen Deshaun Watson’s punishment.
On Thursday, Goodell named former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey as the one responsible for hearing the appeal. Tony Buzbee spoke before the league made that announcement.
Through the appeal, the NFL is seeking an indefinite suspension of at least a year, as well as a fine, a person connected with the league’s appeal told The Associated Press.
The source, who requested anonymity because of the private nature of the matter, added that Watson will be required to undergo evaluation and treatment, as determined by medical experts, before he plays again.
Sue L. Robinson, a former federal judge, issued her ruling Monday. She concluded that Watson violated the league’s policy on personal conduct after women accused him of harassment and sexual assaults that allegedly occurred during massage sessions while he was playing for Houston.
Watson, who spent four seasons with the Texans before missing all of last season, was traded to Cleveland in March.
He recently settled 23 of the 24 lawsuits filed by the women. Two investigative juries in Texas declined to indict Watson in criminal complaints filed by 10 of the women.
Deshaun Watson has denied wrongdoing. He continues to practice with the Browns while awaiting a resolution of his case.
Ashley Solis, the first woman to sue Watson, sat next to Tony Buzbee as he discussed the case. She then took the podium to share her impressions of the punishment.
Solis took a deep breath and took several seconds to compose herself before recounting the other abuses she reportedly suffered since reporting the case. He stated that he has received death threats and internet harassment, which has caused him deep depression.
“What do the actions of the NFL say to the little girls who have suffered at the hands of someone they perceive to have power?” she asked. “That it’s not important. That they don’t care.”