Deshaun Watson timeline: What to know as Browns quarterback faces suspension

CLEVELAND, Ohio — On Monday morning, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was issued a six-game suspension by NFL disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson.

The suspension is the culmination a months-long investigation and a hearing in front of Robinson, a jointly-appointed disciplinary officer, last month. Watson has faced allegations of sexual misconduct from over 20 massage therapists, and has settled 23 total civil suits related to those allegations, with one case still ongoing. The hearing was to determine whether he violated the league’s Personal Conduct Policy.

Despite Robinson’s ruling, the NFL can appeal her decision. The NFLPA and Watson, who also have a right to appeal, said in a joint statement on Sunday they would accept whatever outcome she decided.

So how did we get to this point?

Below, in descending order, are the key events that led to this suspension, including the allegations against Watson, the timeline of his trade to the Browns, and the major events that have occurred since he arrived in March:

Aug. 1, 2022: Robinson issues suspension ruling

The Browns quarterback was suspended for the first six games of the season for alleged sexual misconduct by disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinsin, a league source told cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot. Both the NFL and the NFLPA have the right to appeal under the new Personal Conduct Policy adopted in 2020, but the NFLPA issued a statement Sunday night that it would not appeal, and called for the NFL to do likewise prior to Robinson’s ruling.

Aug. 1 2022: Watson settles three remaining suits

After settling 20 of the 24 civil suits he faced in June, the Browns quarterback agree to settle three of the remaining four, plaintiffs’ attorney Tony Buzbee said in a statement. Only one open lawsuit remains in the leadup to Robinson’s decision.

July 31, 2022: Joint statement from NFLPA and Watson

The NFLPA and Watson released a joint statement saying it won’t appeal Robinson’s ruling on Deshaun Watson’s case under the Personal Conduct Policy, and has urged the NFL to do the same.

The statement read in part: “Every player, owner, business partner and stakeholder deserves to know that our process is legitimate and will not be tarnished based on the whims of the League office. This is why, regardless of her decision, Deshaun and the NFLPA will stand by her ruling and we call on the NFL to do the same.’’

July 15, 2022: 30 Watson accusers settle claims against Texans

Thirty women settled claims or intended claims against the Houston Texans for enabling Watson’s alleged sexual misconduct during massage therapy appointments, attorney Tony Buzbee said in a statement. The Texans explained in a statement attributed to owners Janice McNair, Hannah and Cal McNair that they settled to take a strong stand against misconduct.

“We were shocked and deeply saddened when we first learned of the allegations against our then franchise quarterback in March 2021,’’ the statement read.

July 12, 2022: Post-hearing briefs due

Nearly two weeks following the conclusion of the Watson’s disciplinary hearing, which took place in Delaware, post-hearing briefs were due to Sue L. Robinson.

July 6, 2022: Baker Mayfield traded

Mayfield was traded to the Carolina Panthers for a conditional 2024 fifth-round pick, which could become a fourth-round selection if Mayfield plays 70% of the Panthers’ offensive snaps in 2022. Mayfield initially requested a trade days before Watson agreed to come to Cleveland, after the Browns top brass met with the quarterback in Houston. The move will save the Browns about $8 million in cap space, and Mayfield will now likely start against Cleveland in their 2022 season opener on the road.

June 30, 2022: Watson’s disciplinary hearing concludes

Watson’s three-day-long disciplinary hearing, which took place in front of independent discipline officer Sue L. Robinson, a former U.S. District Judge, concludes in Delaware. A league source told cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot that Robinson requested post-hearing briefs from both sides. According to the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, briefs must be filed within three business days of the hearing’s conclusion — which would be July 6 because of the holiday weekend — and must be limited to five pages. But a source said Robinson asked both sides to file the briefs the week of July 11.

June 29, 2022: Second day of Watson’s disciplinary hearing

The second day of Watson’s hearing begins and ends, with a third hearing day set for Thursday. A source told cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot that the NFL was still pushing for an indefinite suspension of at least a year.

June 28, 2022: Watson’s disciplinary hearing begins

Watson’s disciplinary hearing starts in front of Robinson. The hearing in Delaware began at about 9 a.m. and concluded by about 5:30 p.m. Watson was represented by his personal attorney Rusty Hardin and the NFL Players Association’s high-powered labor lawyer Jeffrey Kessler.

June 27, 2022: NFL seeking indefinite suspension of at least a year, Buzbee files suit against Texans

The NFL informed Watson and his camp, the NFL Players Association and Robinson that it was recommending an indefinite suspension for Watson without pay for at least a year, sources confirmed for cleveland.com following a Wall Street Journal report. The same day, plaintiff’s attorney Tony Buzbee files the first of “what will likely be many” suits against the Houston Texans for allegedly enabling Watson’s misconduct.

June 25, 2022: NFL disciplinary hearing date officially set

Watson’s disciplinary hearing in front of Robinson is officially announced and set to begin in three days, league sources confirmed for cleveland.com. League sources also said that the NFLPA is bracing itself for a harsh punishment recommendation by the NFL of up to a year.

June 21, 2022: Watson settles 20 suits

Buzbee announced that Watson has settled 20 of the 24 civil suits filed by massage therapists alleging sexual misconduct during appointments, saying those settlements will remain confidential. Buzbee said he’s prepared to take the remaining four cases to trial, including the original suit filed by Ashley Solis. The NFL says the settlements will have no bearing on the potential suspension for Watson under the league’s Personal Conduct Policy.

June 14, 2022: Watson speaks with reporters following minicamp

For the first time since his introductory press conference, Watson spoke with reporters following the Browns’ first mandatory minicamp session.

Watson maintained that he wants to clear his name and that he “never assaulted anyone, never forced anyone” during the media availability that contained no football questions.

“I’ve been honest and I’ve been truthful about my stance and that’s I never forced anyone, I never assaulted anyone, so that’s what I’ve been saying it from the beginning and I’m going to continue to do that until all the facts come out on the legal side,” Watson said. “I have to continue to just go with the process with my legal team and the court of law.”

Watson reiterated he has no regrets about anything he’s done during those massage appointments, but did say he regrets the impact the situation has had on everyone affected.

“I think that question kind of triggered a lot of people,’’ he said. “Not just women in general but a lot of people in the league from women to males and things like that. What I was saying is, ‘yes, I’ve never assaulted, disrespected or harassed anyone.’ But at the same time I understand and I do have regrets as far as the impact that it’s had on the community and people outside of just myself.

“That includes my family, that includes this organization, that includes my teammates in this locker room that have to answer to these questions, that includes the fan base of the Cleveland Browns, that includes males, females, everyone across the world. That’s one thing that I do regret is the impact that it’s triggered on so many people and it’s tough to have to deal with.’’

Watson also reversed course compared to his introductory press conference, and said that he is now receiving counseling.

June 7, 2022: News breaks that Watson reportedly booked with 66 massage therapists in 17-month period

Despite publicly saying he worked with about 40 massage therapists, Watson booked massage appointments with 66 women in a 17-month span during 2019-21, according to a New York Times investigative report by Jenny Vrentas.

The report said “that Watson engaged in more questionable behavior than previously known,” and calls into question how much the Texans knew about — and possibly enabled — Watson’s alleged behavior.

The investigation included an examination of records including depositions and evidence for the civil lawsuits, and interviews with some of the accusers.

The Times found that the Texans provided Watson with the venue for some of his appointments, and that the Texans’ director of security supplied him with a nondisclosure agreement for the therapists to sign after one who recently filed suit threatened on Instagram to expose his alleged misconduct.

June 6, 2022: 24th civil suit filed

Buzbee told cleveland.com that a 24th suit will be filed against Watson.

May 31, 2022: 23rd civil suit filed

A 23rd civil suit was filed against Watson on the eve of the second Browns’ OTA session open to the media. The plaintiff, represented by Buzbee like the other 22, changed her mind and decided to file the suit after watching the HBO interviews on Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel that aired the week prior.

May 24, 2022: HBO interviews air, NFL investigation nearing an end

Two of Watson’s accusers — Ashley Solis and Kyla Hayes – are interviewed by Soledad O’Brien on HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, describing the alleged sexual misconduct they experienced by Watson during massage appointments. Hayes said she feels like Watson is being “rewarded for bad behavior” and adds that “for him to say he never did anything to a woman, it’s a bold-faced lie.”

Leah Graham, one of Watson’s attorneys, said during the episode, “As he testified in his depositions last week, yes, he has no regrets because he did nothing wrong.” The episode aired the day before the Browns’ first OTA session that was open to the media.

The same day, commissioner Roger Goodell revealed during the closing press conference at a league meeting in Atlanta that the NFL was close to wrapping up its review of the allegations against Watson and turning the matter over to Robinson, the former U.S. District Judge, to decide whether to fine or suspend him or both under terms of the Personal Conduct Policy.

April 19, 2022: Watson in attendance at Browns workouts

The Browns began the voluntary portion of their offseason program with Watson in attendance.

March 25, 2022: Watson officially introduced in Browns press conference

Watson met with media for the first time during his introductory press conference a week after being traded, alongside GM Andrew Berry and coach Kevin Stefanski.

During the 38-minute press conference, Watson steadfastly maintained that he’s innocent of the 24 allegations of sexual misconduct during massage therapy appointments, saying that he had no regrets and that he did not believe he needed counseling.

Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam addressed reporters via Zoom as well. Jimmy Haslam revealed that he was advised to give Dee Haslam and his two daughters veto power over the Deshaun Watson trade in light of the 24 accusations by massage therapists of sexual misconduct.

March 24, 2022: Second grand jury declines to indict Watson

A second grand jury in Brazoria County, south of Houston, declined to file criminal charges against Watson, clearing another legal hurdle for the quarterback. Watson still faced 22 civil suits at this time.

March 20, 2022: Haslams release statement

Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam release a statement after trading for Watson saying the organization “spent a tremendous amount of time exploring and investigating the opportunity to trade for Deshaun Watson.” They add that the franchise had “done extensive investigative, legal and reference work over the past several months to provide us with the appropriate information needed to make an informed decision about pursuing him and moving forward with him as our quarterback.”

March 18, 2022: Watson traded to Browns

In a stunning reversal, Watson agreed to waive his no-trade clause in order to be traded to Cleveland. The Browns gave up three first-round picks — 2022, 2023 and 2024 — as a part of the trade. The deal the Browns gave Watson is a five-year, fully-guaranteed $230 million contract, the most guaranteed money in NFL history.

Immediately after the trade, Watson posted a photo of himself on his Instagram account in a No. 4 Browns Jersey and the caption Dawg Pound.

“Cleveland, Letssss Goooo!! #DawgPound Ready to Work!’’

March 17, 2022: Watson reportedly eliminates Browns; Mayfield requests trade

As the Browns, Panthers, Falcons and Saints pursued Watson, the Browns were reportedly told they were out of the running to land the Pro Bowler. In the wake of the Browns’ pursuit of Watson, Mayfield requests a trade.

March 15, 2022: Browns meet with Watson in Houston; Mayfield issues goodbye

The Browns’ top brass believed to include Jimmy Haslam, Berry and Stefanski, flew down to Houston to meet with Watson and officially make their offer. After news of the meeting broke, Mayfield went to Twitter and released a statement thanking the city of Cleveland for embracing him, and acknowledged he has no idea what will happen next.

March 13, 2022: Watson trade sweepstakes is on

The Saints and Panthers reportedly made big offers to try and land Watson, but the Browns continued to “do their homework.”

March 11, 2022: Watson cleared of possible criminal charges

Watson was cleared by a grand jury and will not face any criminal charges relating to the sexual misconduct allegations against him. Watson still faced 22 active civil suits at this time accusing him of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, but the Harris County District Attorney’s Office’s decision not to prosecute eliminates one barrier for teams considering trading for Watson. Trade talks officially began heating up regarding Watson, who has a no-trade clause in his contract and must OK any deal, after this decision.

Nov. 2, 2021: Trade deadline passes

Despite reports that the Dolphins, Panthers and Eagles were interested in Watson, the trade deadline passed with Watson still on the Texans’ roster. Watson did not play for the Texans at all during the 2021 season.

Oct. 20, 2021: Trade reports heat up

Numerous reports begin to circulate about a Watson trade to the Miami Dolphins. At this point, Watson had already been inactive for all six of the Texans’ games.

July 25, 2021: Watson reports to training camp

Watson reported to the Texans’ training camp, and two days later, the NFL says in a statement that there are “no restrictions” currently on Watson as the investigation is ongoing. Watson is still requesting a trade.

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson in practice

April 14, 2021: Additional civil suit filed

Another suit was filed against Watson, bringing the total back up to 22.

April 9, 2021: Judge rules plaintiffs must identify themselves

Two Harris County judges ruled that 13 of the 22 women accusing Watson of sexual misconduct and sexual assault must resubmit their civil lawsuits with their names attached to them. Four days later, one woman reportedly dropped her case “for now” citing privacy and security concerns, bringing the total back to 21.

April 7, 2021: Watson loses endorsements

The most notable endorsement deal Watson lost on this day was with Nike. Shortly after Nike’s announcement, Reliant Energy announced it was also severing ties with Watson (Reliant’s parent company, NRG, holds the naming rights to the Texans’ stadium). H-E-B said it had no plans to renew an endorsement deal with Watson and Beats by Dre also reportedly ended its deal with Watson.

April 6, 2021: Two women go public

Two of the women who have filed suits against Watson go public with accusations of sexual misconduct and assault. Solis, who filed the first suit against Watson, read a prepared statement. Laura Baxley wrote a letter to Watson that was read by attorney Cornelia Brandfield-Harvey, an associate at Buzbee’s law firm.

April 5, 2021: Civil case total reaches 22

The 22nd civil suit was filed against Watson, also by Buzbee.

April 2, 2021: Criminal complaint filed

The Houston police department released a statement saying that a criminal complaint has been filed against Watson.

March 31, 2021: Massage therapists defend Watson

Hardin’s office released statements from 18 massage therapists who say the accusations are inconsistent with their own experiences with the quarterback, adding that the women collectively “worked with Deshaun more than 130 times over the past five years.”

“The following 18 women are voluntarily issuing statements in support of Deshaun — with their names attached,” Hardin said in the release.

March 30, 2021: Total civil cases surpass 20

Buzbee filed two more suits, bringing the count to 21.

March 22-29, 2021: Civil suits more than double

Buzbee filed seven additional suits against Watson on March 22, bringing the total to 14. At a news conference, Buzbee said he had spoken to 10 additional women about filing suits. Two additional cases are filed on March 23 and three more on March 29, bringing the total up to 19.

On March 29, one of the first major media reports dropped as Sports Illustrated published an account from a massage therapist who did not file a civil suit but alleged sexual misconduct by Watson during one of their appointments.

March 18, 2021: NFL begins investigation, more suits filed

With three civil suits filed, the NFL opened an investigation into Watson as Lisa Friel, the NFL’s special counsel for investigations, sent a letter to Buzbee asking for his clients’ cooperation in a league investigation. Buzbee said they would comply and also filed four additional suits on this day, bringing the total to seven. The Texans also released a statement on Watson, saying they are aware of the investigation and will “stay in close contact with the league.”

March 16-17, 2021: First civil suits filed

Buzbee announces via an Instagram post that he will be filing a civil suit against Watson, but there are few details. That same day, Watson takes to Twitter and said he has not treated any woman with “anything other than the utmost respect.” Buzbee filed the second civil suit on that same day and a third on March 17, 2021.

Jan. 28, 2021: Watson requests trade from Texans

It’s first reported that Watson has asked to be traded from the Houston Texans. Just weeks prior, in what was ultimately Watson’s last game with Houston, the Texans fell to the Tennessee Titans 41-38 and finished with a 4-12 record.

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