Fans of the NFL are accustomed to seeing contentious players placed on paid leave pending the outcome of an investigation into their actions.
Many expected this to be the course of action when the Deshaun Watson problem blew up, but the Houston Texans quarterback’s situation did not follow suit.
Despite credible allegations of sexual misconduct against him, Deshaun Watson has yet to be placed on paid leave.
According to @MarkBermanFox26, the Human Trafficking Unit is in charge of issuing subpoenas in the Deshaun Watson case.
On @OddCoupleFSR @Chris_Broussard @RobParkerFS1 @OddCoupleFSR @Chris_Broussard @RobParkerFS1 @OddCoupleFSR @Chris_Broussard @RobParkerFS1 @Odd
If true, there might be accusations of human trafficking or prostitution — Amy Dash (@AmyDashTV) August 13, 2021 According to Mike Florio’s latest report, the reason Watson hasn’t been placed on paid leave yet is due to the unique nature of his situation.
Deshaun Watson wanted a trade from the Houston Texans prior to the sexual misconduct case against him exploding, with accusers going on public with the charges.
Two of the 22 women who have accused Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct have gone public with their stories https://t.co/Z5zGyTna4z pic.twitter.com/mgzjxLi2re — Jezebel (@Jezebel) April 7, 2021
As a result, neither the team nor the player have reached an impasse.
Rather, both say Deshaun Watson should not play in the NFL again for the Houston Texans.
There is a slim chance that Deshaun Watson will play this season due to a lack of disagreement between the parties.
This circumstance also benefits the Houston Texans, as a player who has been placed on paid leave by the NFL is difficult to deal.
In terms of seeking for trade partners, this development is significant for Texas.
Paid leave is a possibility if Deshaun Watson decides to play, according to sources. It’s quite possible that the Houston Texans have had secret talks with the NFL about Deshaun Watson’s case.
The league also wants to avoid any unfavorable public relations consequences.
As time is given to the player’s scandals, any paid leave case receives a lot of media attention.
The last thing the league needs is a distraction now that pre-season is in full flow and the regular season is just around the corner.
Deshaun Watson, despite his suspicions that backchannel negotiations between his team and the NFL are taking place, is not challenging the existing quo.
He’s had his fill of attention and will want to stay out of the limelight.
Given that the current circumstances are favorable to all parties involved, this situation is unlikely to progress unless the matter is resolved.
The only way the situation can change is if Deshaun Watson signs with an NFL team this season while the sexual misconduct claims against him remain unresolved.
If that happens, the NFL will most certainly resort to paid leave as a last resort.
Colin D’Cunha edited the piece.