The Deshaun Watson suspension has officially been handed down with the Browns QB out for 11 games, but how much money will he lose while suspended?
Deshaun Watson has been suspended for 11 games in the 2022 season and will be assessed a $5 million fine following a settlement between the Cleveland Browns quarterback, the NFLPA and the NFL.
Initially, a six-game suspension was decided upon by Judge Sue L. Robinson but the league immediately set in motion the process to appeal that decision as they reportedly wanted to send a message. That, in turn, put Watson and his team on the defense and eventually led to a search for a settlement.
While an NFL player is suspended, they are unable to get paid their salary from the contract that they signed with a given team. So as we look at this lengthy suspension for Watson, who signed a $230 million guaranteed contract with Cleveland after the trade to the Browns was completed, how much money is he set to lose?
The formula to figure out the money lost for Watson is quite simple as you simply divide his 17-game base salary by the number of games he was suspended.
However, when the Browns traded for and signed the quarterback, they knew that a suspension was forthcoming and, as such, they attempted to protect Watson from any financial losses as they signed him, a decision that’s been controversial. His base salary is a measly $1 million for the 2022 season, meaning that was the maximum he would be set to lose.
With the suspension handed down on Thursday, Deshaun Watson will only lose $647,058 (and some change) for his time missed this year. Of course, there is also a $5 million fine attached to that.
Even still, that leaves Watson with $224 million and a little more on his contract for the remainder of it. Hardly a financial penalty despite the suspension levied against him.
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As a seasoned expert in the field, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the Deshaun Watson suspension and its financial implications. My extensive knowledge in sports contracts, negotiations, and the inner workings of the NFL allows me to dissect this situation with authority.
Firstly, let's address the suspension itself. Deshaun Watson's 11-game suspension in the 2022 season stems from a settlement involving the Cleveland Browns quarterback, the NFLPA, and the NFL. This settlement followed an initial decision by Judge Sue L. Robinson, who initially imposed a six-game suspension. The NFL, keen on sending a strong message, initiated an appeal process, prompting Watson and his team to seek a settlement.
One key aspect of player suspensions in the NFL is the financial impact. During a suspension, players are unable to receive their salary as stipulated in their contracts. In Watson's case, he had signed a substantial $230 million guaranteed contract with the Cleveland Browns. However, his base salary for the 2022 season was a modest $1 million.
To calculate the money Watson stands to lose during the suspension, a straightforward formula is applied: dividing the player's 17-game base salary by the number of games suspended. In this instance, with an 11-game suspension, Watson's financial loss is determined to be $647,058, not accounting for the fractional change.
It's noteworthy that the Browns were aware of the impending suspension when they traded for and signed Watson. In a bid to shield him from substantial financial losses, they structured the contract with a base salary that minimized the potential loss to $1 million.
Despite the suspension and the associated $5 million fine, Watson is left with a considerable sum of $224 million and some change on his contract for the remaining duration. This outcome has sparked controversy, with opinions divided on whether the financial penalty aligns with the severity of the suspension.
In conclusion, the Deshaun Watson case exemplifies the intricate balance between contractual obligations, legal processes, and financial considerations in the NFL. My expertise allows me to navigate these complexities and present a comprehensive understanding of the situation at hand.
