NFL star quarterback Deshaun Watson suspended for 11 games, fined $5 million

Cleveland Browns Quarterback Deshaun Watson on Thursday was suspended for 11 NFL games during the 2022 season and fined $5 million for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy as part of a settlement between the league and the NFL Players Association. 

He will be eligible to play by the first week of December in a game against the Houston Texans, a team that he once played for, the NFL reported. 

He initially was suspended for six games.

Earlier this year, Watson said he settled most of the two dozen sexual assault lawsuits brought against him in 2021. Two Texas grand juries declined to pursue criminal charges against Watson.

"I apologize to all women," Watson said at a press conference minutes after the NFL charges were announced. "I apologize to everyone that was affected by this whole situation."

He expressed plans to "move forward."

Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam pledged to support Watson and said: "Now that a decision on discipline has been reached, we understand this is a real opportunity to create meaningful change."