Ravens coach John Harbaugh mentioned after Monday’s coaching camp observe that he was “not at liberty” to share his opinion on the NFL suspending Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for six video games for violating the league’s private conduct coverage following accusations of sexual misconduct.
“That’s for the league to decide,” Harbaugh mentioned.
Watson, who was traded from the Houston Texans to the Browns in March, has been accused by two dozen ladies in Texas of sexual misconduct throughout therapeutic massage therapies, and he lately settled 23 of 24 civil lawsuits. In a 15-page report, disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson, a former federal choose, mentioned the NFL really useful Watson be suspended for your complete 2022 season. Robinson mentioned was conduct “more egregious than any before reviewed by the NFL.”
The league has till Thursday at 9 a.m. to file a written enchantment. The NFL Players Association launched an announcement on Sunday evening saying they stand for Robinson’s ruling and hope the league does the identical.
Harbaugh, in the meantime, praised the Ravens’ zero-tolerance rule for home abuse allegations, which was put into place after former operating again Ray Rice was arrested and charged for assaulting his then-fiancée in 2014.
“We stayed away from that particular situation when we drafted players and signed free agents,” mentioned Harbaugh. “That’s [owner] Steve [Bisciotti’s’] decision, and I’m glad we have that policy.”
In 2018, nevertheless, the Ravens stored cornerback Jimmy Smith after he was suspended 4 video games after the NFL discovered proof of “threatening and emotionally abusive behaviors” towards a former girlfriend that “showed a pattern of improper conduct.”
If Watson’s suspension stands, he gained’t play till the Browns’ Week 7 matchup towards the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on Oct. 23.
Ben Cleveland practices; Ja’Wuan James doesn’t
Ravens second-year left guard Ben Cleveland made his first look at coaching camp on Monday. The 2021 third-round choose missed the workforce’s 4 practices final week after being positioned on the nonfootball damage checklist whereas persevering with to fail the workforce’s conditioning check.
“He passed it this morning,” Harbaugh mentioned. “He did leg lifts then he practiced today in the heat. He will sleep well tonight.”
The missed time would possibly show pricey for Cleveland. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman mentioned Ben Powers is at present within the lead for the job, whereas Cleveland and Tyre Phillips stay within the combine to start out at left guard.
Cleveland’s return coincided with a key absence at deal with, nevertheless. Ja’Wuan James didn’t take part within the workforce’s first padded observe on Monday on account of a “nagging” damage, Harbaugh mentioned.
James has solely performed in three video games since 2019, as he voluntarily opted out of the 2020 season on account of coronavirus considerations then tore his Achilles in May 2021 earlier than signing a two-year take care of the Ravens.
Harbaugh mentioned James has moved properly throughout observe and is studying to regulate to taking part in left deal with.
Wide receiver Devin Duvernay didn’t observe after struggling a thigh bruise from colliding with security Chuck Clark on a sideline throw in an 11-on-11 interval throughout Saturday evening’s open observe at M&T Bank Stadium. Harbaugh mentioned Duvernay’s damage was not critical.
Ronnie Stanley replace
Even although All-Pro offensive deal with Ronnie Stanley has been at coaching camp signing autographs and interacting with teammates, Harbaugh mentioned it’s too quickly to invest when he’ll return to the sphere.
“It’s not going to be immediate, but he’s feeling good and looks good,” mentioned Harbaugh.
Stanley is amongst six gamers on the workforce’s physically-unable-to-perform checklist, as he continues to work again from a left ankle damage he first suffered in November 2020, lower than per week after he signed a five-year extension value $112.9 million. He performed final 12 months’s season opener earlier than present process one other surgical procedure on the ankle and lacking the rest of the season.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com