“Over, done, I think it's a wrap” - NFL analyst claims Deshaun Watson will never play football again
More than a year and a half has passed since the first accusation of sexual assault against Deshaun Watson was made. The full scope of his punishment is still unknown.
Four civil lawsuits remain, and the NFL is yet to render a verdict on his suspension. Considering how long it has already been, some expect the quarterback to have noticeable rust when he does eventually retake the field.
However, one NFL analyst believes the quarterback will never suit up again. Speaking on the Rich Eisen Show, Ben Lyons said the quarterback will never overcome his past in a way that lets him play football again.
"I don't think we'll ever see him play football again. Over, done, I think it's a wrap. I think the more that comes out from these stories in these allegations and these charges, the less chance there is for him to go out there and compete in the NFL."
Justin Hebert #7 never been to playoffs, Dak Prescott #10 no playoff wins. DeShaun Watson #9 1 playoff win. Stafford zero in over a decade til this year #6. Rodgers constant failure in playoffs #1… So you were saying? twitter.com/thepetereport/…
Deshaun Watson's NFL career
If he never plays football again, Watson's career will have lasted from 2017-2020. He was drafted 12th overall in 2017 by the Houston Texans. He impressed during his rookie season, registering 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions in his first seven games.
League source on the threshold of proof expected to be applied by Sue Robinson in review of Deshaun Watson’s case:
“The NFL has the burden of proof and it is by the preponderance of evidence and there is no dispute about that…There is precedent in case law that establishes it.”
However, an injury ended Watson's season early. In 2018, he was ready to start his first full season. He went 11-5, throwing for 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions. His team made the playoffs but was bounced in the first round.
In 2019, the quarterback essentially treaded water, but his team won a playoff game.
In 2020, Watson had a sensational season statistically, but his team's win-loss plummeted. He threw for 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions but went 4-12 as a starter. Since then, he hasn't played a snap. However, he found a new team in the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns greeted him with the first essentially fully-guaranteed contract in NFL history. The deal is worth $230 million and he stands to lose only $1 million if he doesn't play in 2022.
If you use any of the quotes above, please credit the Rich Eisen Show and H/T Sportskeeda.