One NFL player gambled on multiple NFL games while being unable to play due to mental health concerns. Another NFL player had 24 civil lawsuits filed against him by masseuses for sexual misconduct during massage sessions. Which player received the harsher punishment?
The player suspended for gambling on games is named Calvin Ridley, and he was suspended for the entire upcoming 2022 NFL season. Meanwhile, the player suspended for sexual misconduct is Deshaun Watson, and he has been suspended for 11 games. Interestingly, that punishment was almost a lowly six games, before being appealed and overturned into the current 11-game ruling. One extra punishment in Watson’s case was a $5 million fine, which is certainly going to affect him and his five-year contract for $230 million.
Watson has settled all but one of the civil cases against him, and he has not been charged criminally for sexual misconduct. However, the NFL and NFLPA appointed former judge Sue L. Robinson to discipline Watson. Robinson said that past disciplinary rulings by the NFL forced her to give Watson a lighter punishment than she felt was necessary, as she noted his behavior to be “egregious” and “predatory”. Despite these notions, the NFL and NFLPA settled on an agreement of the 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine.
Soon after the updated punishment for Watson was released to the public, Ridley posted to Twitter indicating that he would not get to see the field until 2023. When talking about Ridley’s suspension, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, “There is nothing more fundamental to the NFL’s success, and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league, than upholding the integrity of the game.” Goodell’s quote is interesting to look at after knowing all the information about Watson, as it calls into question whether the integrity of the game is more important than morality.
If Ridley was found to be utilizing inside information or games were compromised due to his betting, then the integrity of the game argument would have a much stronger foundation. However, the NFL noted that there was no evidence of compromised games or the use of inside information. Ridley’s bets did not even include the team he plays for, the Atlanta Falcons. While betting on games is not allowed for NFL players, the fact Ridley was suspended for a year is inexcusable. Ridley’s disappointment with his punishment is understandable, especially since Watson will be allowed to play nearly half the season, despite also breaking the NFL’s code of conduct policy.
It is important to note that Ridley admitted to being in the wrong soon after receiving the suspension. Meanwhile, Watson has both apologized and completely denied the accusations by stating that he had never committed sexual misconduct with any of the women. Therefore, it has made many NFL fans doubt whether he is genuinely sorry for the sexual misconduct, as he has also stated that he had no regrets.
Many fans will struggle to watch the Cleveland Browns play football this year, as they will want to cheer for their team, but they will have to look at Watson as the face of their franchise. Watson’s first NFL action since 2020 came in a preseason game at Jacksonville, and he was experiencing what every away game will be like from now until the end of his career. The Jacksonville fans were chanting, “You sick f—”, which will likely be used more than just that one time.
It is also interesting to note that Watson’s first game back from suspension will be against his former team, the Houston Texans. The NFL might need to worry less about the game’s integrity and ensure they still have moral integrity.