Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Nick Camett/AP)
Nick Camet/AP
hide caption
toggle caption
Nick Camet/AP
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Nick Camett/AP)
Nick Camet/AP
On Sunday, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will return to the field for the first time in nearly two years. This follows an 11-game suspension and $5 million fine imposed by the NFL after more than 20 female massage therapists made allegations against him ranging from sexual misconduct to sexual assault. Thing.
The allegations stem from incidents that occurred in 2020 and 2021, when Watson was quarterback for the Houston Texans. And while he hasn’t faced criminal charges, the number of women who have come forward with similar accounts is staggering.
The NFL has faced criticism in the past for how it handled cases like Watson’s, with many critics saying fines and suspensions aren’t enough.
Host Michelle Martin talks with Washington Post sports columnist and ESPN panelist Kevin Blackston about how the NFL can better handle player misconduct allegations against women.
In participating regions, you can also listen to local news segments that help you understand what’s happening in your community.
Email thinkthis@npr.org.
This episode was produced by Marc Rivers. Edited by Janet Woods. Executive Producer Natalie Winston.