has changed its personal conduct policy, expanding the offenses that warrant more serious penalties to include sexual assault “involving threats or coercion” and including “a pattern of conduct” and “offenses that involve planning” as factors that could increase punishment.
These changes come one year after a disciplinary officer cited limitations of the league’s policy in issuing initial discipline to Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was accused of sexual misconduct and harassment by more than two dozen women.
Watson, 27, denied the accusations.
He was not charged criminally and has settled 23 of the 26 lawsuits filed against him; one was withdrawn (“in light of privacy and security concerns,” according to a court filing) and two others are still active.
They spoke under condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly.
Persons:
Deshaun Watson, Watson, Sue L, Robinson
Organizations:
Cleveland Browns, The New York Times