Footballer Watson has been suspended for 11 games and has to pay a $5 million fine

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Deshaun Watson

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David Dermer/AP

Cleveland Browns footballer Deshaun Watson has been suspended for 11 games and fined $5 million.

This is reported by several US media unanimously.

An official statement from the National Football League and the players' union NFLPA is still pending.

In a statement, the 26-year-old said he was glad the case was over, thanked his club and apologized.

Going forward, he will focus on becoming the best version of himself on and off the pitch.

The NFL had requested a suspension of allegedly at least one season for Watson because of the allegations.

24 women had civilly sued Watson for sexual abuse.

The criminal case is already settled, two juries in Texas waived an indictment.

Watson last played for the Houston Texans, but was not used because of the allegations last season.

In the meantime, he has agreed on a settlement with 20 of the 24 women.

The NFL had appealed an initially announced six-game ban for Watson.

A former US federal judge had handed down the verdict.

She had been nominated by the league and the players' union.

The Cleveland Browns had signed Watson, who had denied all allegations via social media, despite the possible suspension and given him a five-year, $230 million contract in March.

ara/dpa