across the holidays Our season and New Year are mostly in our hands and it’s a time of contemplation. Some people gather with their loved ones to exchange gifts and fun. Others travel to broaden their horizons or to celebrate or grieve in solitude.professional world sports chose to kick off the holiday season by reinstating three individuals accused of abuse in three major sports leagues. NFL, MLBWhen NBA.
came first deshawn watson, star quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. Watson, 27, has been accused of sexual misconduct by 24 women, stemming from a series of predatory encounters during his sports therapy massage sessions. Despite disturbing allegations, the Browns have opted for his five-year, $230 million deal. And after receiving his just 11-game suspension from the NFL, his compliance officer said he “used his status as an NFL player as an excuse to engage in a premeditated pattern of predatory behavior against multiple women. I used it,” and reached a settlement with 23. Of his 24 accusers, Watson was cleared to return to the field on December 4 to face the Houston Texans. The Browns invited several of the women who made peace with Watson to the game. (He played miserably.)
Lauren Baxley, one woman who refused to reconcile with Watson, wrote about how disappointed she was with the NFL and its fans. a rolling stone editorial.
“How can my life have meaning when so many people continue to support the return of a talented monster?” she wrote. “It is no exaggeration to say that I have lost faith in humanity.”
Then it was Trevor Bauer’s turn. Dec. 22, ESPN report An independent arbitrator reduced MLB suspensions for violating its provisions. domestic violence The pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers will be returning, changing from 324 games to 194 games. Bauer was only suspended for 144 games, but was given credit for his time on MLB’s restricted list.
“While we believe a longer suspension was justified, MLB is abiding by the decision of a neutral arbitrator upholding the longest suspension of an active player in baseball history.” sexual assault Or domestic violence,” MLB said in a statement. “We understand that this process has been difficult for the witnesses involved, and we appreciate their participation.
Bauer, 31-year-old former Cy Young winner accused by many cheat players, was first accused of sexual assault in June 2021 and issued a temporary domestic violence injunction after a woman was accused of committing physical and sexual assault twice in April of that year. Commands were given to women. (Bauer denied the allegations and sued the woman for defamation.) During an MLB investigation, it was revealed that two other women had sought protection against Bauer for domestic abuse. (Bauer also denied these.) The LA district attorney earlier this year declined to press charges against Bauer, and the Dodgers have until January 6th to decide whether to retain or release Bauer.
If that wasn’t enough, on Dec. 23, two days before Christmas, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said: report The NBA’s Charlotte Hornets are “in the spotlight in negotiations over a new contract” with forward Miles Bridges, and there is “optimism that a deal could be reached in the relatively near future.” made clear.
Bridges, 24, was arrested in June on domestic violence charges. A few days later, his wife, Michelle Johnson, came forward on Instagram about how her 6’7 inch basketball star hit her in front of her two young children and this The latest incident claimed to be part of a pattern of abuse. Reported to The Daily BeastShe posted a photo of her bloodied and bruised body.
Michelle Johnson, wife of NBA player Miles Bridges
“I hate to let this happen, but I can’t shut up anymore. I allow someone to destroy my home, abuse me in every way, and traumatize our children for the rest of their lives.” I’m sorry,” Johnson wrote on Instagram. “I have nothing to prove to the world, but I will not allow a man who has done something so horrible to paint a picture of something he is not without remorse. I will not allow people to keep shutting me up and keep lying to protect this person.It is unethical and immoral and really sick.I always have hope and lots of love And it breaks my heart because I was doing something as horrible as doing this.
She continues: Sleep and severe concussion. I don’t need sympathy, I just don’t want this to happen to anyone else, I just want this person to help me, my kids deserve better. That’s all. It hurts, everything hurts, this situation hurts, most importantly, it’s scaring and hurting the children who witnessed it all. Please respect my family’s privacy and stop spreading hateful rumors and claims. .”
Bridges did not challenge one felony domestic violence charge in November, but was only sentenced to three years of probation and no prison time thanks to a deal with prosecutors. He still faces possible suspension from the NBA.
