Tony Buzbee slams Roger Goodell over Deshaun Watson suspension

The lawyer for the roughly two dozen women who accused Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct slammed NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after the league agreed to an 11-game suspension and $5 million fine for the Browns quarterback on Thursday.

Tony Buzbee said Goodell — who sought a longer suspension for Watson after a judge handed down a six-game ban — sent a message to victims that they should not speak up.

“By settling this matter the way he has, Roger Goodell has proven one of two things: either his recent rhetoric was utter baloney, or his bark is much worse than his bite,” Buzbee said in a statement to multiple outlets. “My belief is that he is nothing more than a paper tiger. The message today to all victims is clear, if you believe you have been sexually assaulted by a powerful person, keep your mouth shut and go away. The NFL has certainly demonstrated that its ownership and the organization doesn’t care.

“To all sexual assault survivors, do not allow this recent ‘punishment’ to deter you. Keep speaking up and keep speaking out. Your voice matters. You are making a difference. We stand with you.”

Goodell used the words “egregious” and “predatory” last week when discussing Watson’s actions as the NFL was pushing for a suspension of at least one year after judge Sue L. Robinson’s six-game suspension. The NFL appointed former New Jersey attorney general Peter C. Harvey to hear its appeal of the ban before Thursday’s settlement.

In June, Watson settled 20 of 24 civil lawsuits by Buzbee’s clients, mostly massage therapists who claimed Watson committed sexual misconduct during massage sessions.

Watson, 26, was traded from the Texans to the Browns in March after sitting out the entire 2021 season amid a trade request. The Browns immediately gave Watson a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. Watson’s 2022 base salary was set at only $1.035 million under the assumption he would be suspended. He’s eligible to return in Week 13 against the Texans in Houston.