Deshaun Watson's suspension demonstrates NFL, Roger Goodell 'don't care' about sexual assault, lawyer says

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The lawyer who represented the women who accused Deshaun Watson of sexual assault in two dozen civil lawsuits blasted the NFL after the Cleveland Browns quarterback was suspended for 11 games.

Tony Buzbee took the league and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to task after Watson received the extended discipline Thursday. Watson was also fined $5 million.

"By settling this matter the way he has, Roger Goodell has proven one of two things: either his recent rhetoric was utter baloney, or his bark is much worse than his bite. My belief is that he is nothing more than a paper tiger. The message today to all victims is clear, if you believe you have been sexually assaulted by a powerful person, keep your mouth shut and go away. The NFL has certainly demonstrated that its ownership and the organization don’t care," Buzbee said in a statement, via the Cleveland Plain-Dealer.

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson enters a news conference at the NFL team's training facility in Berea, Ohio, on March 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)

"To all sexual assault survivors, do not allow this recent ‘punishment’ to deter you. Keep speaking up and speaking out. Your voice matters. You are making a difference. We stand with you," he added.

The suspension came in an agreement between the NFL and the NFL Players Association, and after independent disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson had previously levied a six-game ban on Watson. The league decided to appeal and push for a season-long suspension.

The NFL said Watson must also "undergo a professional evaluation by behavioral experts and will follow their