CultureSaturday 04.09.22

The Deshaun Watson Allegations Won’t Change Pro Sports

Two high profile athletes, the NFL’s Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns and MLB’s Trevor Bauer of the Los Angeles Dodgers, are under investigation by their respective leagues over disturbing allegations of sexual assault.

They’ve both steadfastly maintained their innocence, and criminal cases against Watson were recently rejected (Bauer is not facing any criminal charges either). Currently, Watson is free to engage in team activities with the Cleveland Browns, whom he recently joined as quarterback after being drafted from the Houston Texans. Bauer, meanwhile, is on paid administrative leave with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

But pending results of the leagues’ investigations into these players, both of them are likely to face suspension for violating conduct codes — plus, Watson still faces 22 civil lawsuits by 22 individual women for sexual misconduct.

LZ and Will talk about the leagues’ handling of these allegations and the inevitably preferential treatment Watson may get considering he’s seen as a sure talent.

The Long Game

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