The Deshaun Watson saga continues to reverberate throughout the NFL, even as the quarterback attempts to rebuild his career. A new memoir by former NFL Players Association (NFLPA) executive director DeMaurice Smith sheds light on the complexities of representing a player accused of serious offenses. Smith’s candid account reveals his personal disgust with the allegations against Watson, while also highlighting his professional obligation to defend the player’s rights under the collective bargaining agreement. This article delves into Smith’s perspective, the NFLPA’s role, and the broader implications of the Watson case for the league and its players.
The revelations from Smith’s book offer a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges faced by union leaders when confronted with controversial cases. Smith’s experience as a former prosecutor adds another layer to his perspective, as he grappled with his personal feelings and his duty to protect the rights of all NFL players, regardless of the allegations against them.
Smith’s Revelations on the Deshaun Watson Case
In his upcoming memoir, DeMaurice Smith doesn’t hold back his feelings about the Deshaun Watson allegations. He describes them as “sickening,” a visceral reaction stemming from his background as a former prosecutor. Smith, who led the NFLPA from 2009 to 2023, provides a unique perspective on the controversies that have plagued the NFL, including Colin Kaepernick’s protests, Tom Brady’s Deflategate, and the 2011 lockout. His account of the Watson case reveals the internal conflict he faced.
Despite his personal feelings, Smith emphasizes the NFLPA’s responsibility to defend its members. He likens his role to that of a public defender, obligated to work diligently on behalf of players, regardless of the severity or offensiveness of the allegations against them. This stance highlights the tension between personal morality and professional duty, a theme that resonates throughout Smith’s memoir.
The Texans’ Dysfunction and Watson’s Trade Demand
Smith’s memoir also touches on the Houston Texans’ role in the Watson saga. He points to the team’s “considerable dysfunction,” citing moves like the hiring of Jack Easterby as executive vice president of football operations. According to Smith, Watson’s trade demand in January 2021 was a direct result of this dysfunction. The Texans’ decisions, in Smith’s view, created an environment that ultimately led to Watson seeking a new team.
The Texans’ situation underscores the importance of competent management and a supportive team environment in the NFL. Smith’s account suggests that the Texans’ missteps contributed to Watson’s dissatisfaction, which eventually led to the quarterback’s legal troubles and departure from the team.
The NFLPA’s Obligation to Defend Watson
Smith makes it clear that the NFLPA had a duty to defend Watson, regardless of the allegations against him. As he writes, “appalled as I was by the things I was reading, the NFLPA had an obligation to defend members.” This obligation stems from the collective bargaining agreement, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of both players and the league. Smith’s stance reflects the union’s commitment to protecting the due process rights of its members.
The NFLPA’s defense of Watson highlights the challenges of representing individuals accused of serious misconduct. Smith’s experience as a former prosecutor likely informed his approach to the case, as he sought to balance his personal feelings with his professional responsibilities.
The Guaranteed Contract Controversy
The Watson saga took another turn when the Cleveland Browns offered him a fully guaranteed contract in March 2022. This unprecedented deal sparked outrage among NFL owners, who viewed it as a violation of established norms. Smith notes that the owners’ anger over the guaranteed contract influenced their approach to Watson’s discipline. He writes, “As loathsome as I found the allegations surrounding Watson, I knew the public’s desire for frontier justice gave Roger no legal right to issue discipline.”
The guaranteed contract controversy underscores the power dynamics between players and owners in the NFL. Smith’s account suggests that the owners were motivated, in part, by a desire to punish the Browns for breaking precedent and offering Watson such a lucrative deal.
Roger Goodell’s Role and the CBA
Smith’s memoir also sheds light on the role of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in the Watson case. Smith explains that the NFLPA’s “holy grail” in the 2020 collective bargaining agreement was to limit Goodell’s power to punish players. While a neutral arbitrator initially recommended a six-game suspension for Watson, Goodell ultimately overturned that decision, increasing the suspension to 11 games. Smith attributes this decision to the owners’ desire to send a message about guaranteed contracts.
The Watson case highlights the ongoing tension between the NFLPA and the league office. Smith’s account suggests that Goodell’s actions were influenced by the owners’ concerns, leading to a harsher punishment for Watson. Smith’s perspective provides valuable insight into the inner workings of the NFL and the challenges of negotiating with the league.
Defending Watson “With Gritted Teeth”
Ultimately, Smith found himself in the unenviable position of defending Deshaun Watson, an individual whose alleged behavior he found repulsive. He writes, “So, with gritted teeth, I began to gear up for another fight if Roger suspended Watson for the season.” This quote encapsulates the internal conflict Smith faced as he navigated the complexities of the Watson case. Despite his personal feelings, he remained committed to upholding the rights of NFL players.
Smith’s willingness to defend Watson, even with “gritted teeth,” underscores the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence. His actions reflect the NFLPA’s commitment to representing its members, regardless of the allegations against them.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways from the Watson Saga
DeMaurice Smith’s revelations about the Deshaun Watson case offer a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the NFL and the challenges faced by union leaders. Smith’s personal disgust with the allegations against Watson, coupled with his professional obligation to defend the player, highlights the complexities of representing individuals accused of serious misconduct. The Watson saga also underscores the power dynamics between players and owners, the role of the NFL Commissioner, and the ongoing tension between the NFLPA and the league office.
Smith’s memoir serves as a reminder of the importance of due process, the presumption of innocence, and the need for competent management in the NFL. The Watson case will likely continue to be debated for years to come, but Smith’s account provides valuable context and perspective on one of the most controversial episodes in recent NFL history.
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