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He faces a long suspension: Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns
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David Richard/AP
For a long time it seemed as if superstar quarterback Deshaun Watson would get away with it largely scot-free.
24 women had sued the 26-year-old civilly for sexual harassment, with 20 of them he reached an out-of-court settlement.
The criminal case is already settled, two juries in Texas waived an indictment.
The only thing left in the room was that Watson, one of the best playmakers in the world, will be severely sanctioned by the National Football League (NFL).
But that didn't seem to be the case either.
Earlier this week, a former federal judge sentenced Watson to just a six-game suspension.
Watson was not fined.
The superstar seemed once again fine.
That has now been settled: The NFL has appealed the mini-ban.
She accuses the 26-year-old of violating the league's rules of conduct.
With the appeal, the case is now back with the league.
NFL boss Roger Goodell or a person designated by him can now impose a more severe penalty.
The NFL had requested a suspension of allegedly at least one season for Watson because of the allegations.
The league is also seeking a $8 million fine.
The lawsuit contains unsavory details
Watson is accused of sexually harassing the women at various massage appointments.
According to the sports website The Athletic, according to the lawsuits, Watson forced oral sex on two women, ejaculated on three masseuses and groped four women.
The case caused a lot of discussion in the United States.
Watson seemed untouchable for a long time.
A wealthy superstar whose behavior is inconsequential - the previous rulings and the short suspension from the NFL seemed to confirm this view.
The fact that NFL boss Goodell does not accept the federal judge's lenient sentence and is now seeking a much harsher sentence can be taken as a sign that the league is starting to think differently.
Despite the allegations, Watson became the top earner
Watson last played for the Houston Texans, but was not used because of the allegations last season.
The Cleveland Browns had signed Watson, who denies all allegations, despite the possible suspension and given him a five-year, $230 million contract in March.
The sum is guaranteed, there has never been a higher fixed salary in the NFL before.
Watson and the Browns reached deep into their bag of tricks.
Watson received nearly $45 million for the signature.
His salary this season, on the other hand, is only 1.035 million.
Means: Even a seasonal suspension would have little financial impact on Watson.
kjo/dpa/sid
