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"That would require the NFL to have a spine" - Trevor Bauer's suspension leads to more scrutiny from fans of Deshaun Watson investigation

The Deshaun Watson investigation looks bad for the NFL after the MLB hammered Trevor Bauer
The Deshaun Watson investigation looks bad for the NFL after the MLB hammered Trevor Bauer

The ongoing Deshaun Watson investigation shows a very unsettling disparity that exists between the NFL and other sports leagues.

Over in the MLB, Trevor Bauer has been effectively erased from the league. He has been handed a suspension that will ensure he doesn't get paid a single dime from the $60 million left on his deal, as per ESPN's Alden Gonzales.

The MLB star has been sanctioned under the league's sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse policy. Bauer is accused of the first two categories of crimes.

But over here, on the NFL side? Deshaun Watson, with allegations of sexual misconduct against him, has signed a five-year, $230 million contract with the Cleveland Browns. There's certainly a notable disconnect between the two leagues.

This was pointed out by Reddit users who were responding to the thesis of Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson. He believes that the Bauer's suspension will be seen in contrast to NFL's handling of Deshaun Watson. Since both are high profile players, their differential treatment will rankle with many.

One Reddit user accused the NFL of being spineless about their Deshaun Watson sanctions (or lack thereof).

That brought out a user unwilling to give the MLB that much credit.

This user joked that the standard set by the Bauer suspension should be upheld in Watson's.

Perhaps that standard has already been declared by the league, as this user says.

This user isn't confident Deshaun Watson will get more than six games.

Ezekiel Elliott's suspension over allegations of domestic violence, levelled by his ex-girlfriend, has this fan thinking the hammer needs to be dropped even harder than that.

Calvin Ridley jokes had to make an appearance. Ridley was suspended for the entire 2022 season for betting on games, including his own team's, during the 2021 season.

Then there's Josh Gordon and his herbal habit that somehow got punished more harshly than Watson's transgressions.

This user spoke to what the lack of disciplining Watson means to people everywhere beyond the game.

Yet another issue (Tom Brady and 'Deflategate') less serious than Watson's was brought up as a frame of reference.

Browns may want to hold onto Baker Mayfield with the Deshaun Watson situation unfolding

Cleveland had some guts acquiring Watson when they did, considering the investigations that were still pending when they poached him from the Houston Texans.

Watson could miss some time, and if it were up to these Reddit users, he'd miss much more than what the sanction will end up being. In that case, they may want to hold onto Baker Mayfield, who attempted to torch the bridge with the Browns this offseason by calling out the front office.

If a reconciliation between the signal-caller and Cleveland, who invested almost a quarter of a billion dollars into a QB that is facing criminal charges to replace him, is possible, they may want to reach it. Watson missing games this coming season is now looking more possible.

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