Written by It’s been three months now, and nobody seems to know what to do about the Deshaun Watson situation. What’s becoming clear is that the culture of the National Football League does not align with its core values. At least when it concerns incidents of sexual or domestic violence.
Values are a culture’s standard for what is good and just. For example, on the “Mission and Values” page of the NFL’s website, you find phrases like “we unite and inspire communities,” “every member of the NFL community embraces our unique leadership role in society,” and “we do the right thing when no one is looking, and even if it’s unpopular when they are looking.”
If an organization decides to be a values-based organization, its core values become the ground rules that drive decision-making. Companies that follow this model put an extreme amount of thought into defining their core values and communicate them extensively and repeatedly to their organization. In addition, they integrate their core values into their human resources processes (hiring, firing, performance management, and promotions).
The NFL has a code of conduct and enhanced its sexual and domestic violence policy after the Ray Rice elevator incident in 2014. Six games without pay for the first offense and a lifetime ban after the second. No charge or conviction of a crime is required, just “credible evidence.” However, the league is enforcing this policy inconsistently. This week, the Houston Chronicle reported that less than half of the incidents that qualified for this penalty resulted in a suspension. The article cites experts and concludes, “as long as a player is good and making a team money, they will receive some modicum of protection.”
Instead of invoking the policy, the league seems to be waiting out the legal proceedings. Barring a settlement, which doesn’t seem likely, this will go on well into 2022. The NFL appears to be leaning toward putting Watson on paid administrative leave because he “may have violated” the code of conduct policy. Commissioner Roger Goodell claims he has broad discretion, meaning he can do whatever he wants. He likely will base his decision on the expected reaction from the fans and media rather than the league’s core values.
Further complicating the matter is that Watson no longer wants to play for the Texans, and it appears that the Texans no longer want him to. Watson had demanded a trade in January, two months ahead of the allegations. Instead, the Texans appear to have moved on, signing free agent Tyrod Taylor to replace Watson this year and drafted their future quarterback. Moreover, they refuse to discuss the situation publicly, pretending Watson doesn’t exist while paying his hefty salary.
I don’t care what the Texans do, as I have moved on myself. After 15 years as a season ticket holder, I have given up my two seats in section 136. I was already considering not renewing my tickets, but this was the last straw. As fans, the best way we can voice our displeasure is with our wallets. There are far better uses for my money than to support this mess.
I’m not going to mount my horse of high morals and ride off into the sunset. I love football and will continue watching it. However, I’m pretty sure I am not a Texans fan anymore. I cannot align my values with their team culture. If they even have one. They gave unlimited power to Bill O’Brien and let him destroy the team. They ran off two of their best players and gave away too many draft picks. We waited forever to have a franchise quarterback, and then this happens. Regardless of where I live, I’d prefer to support a team that connects with my values.
Therefore, I am officially demanding a trade. Hopefully, the Texans will grant me my unconditional release. Then, perhaps, I will go back to being a Vikings fan as I was growing up. I love Patrick Mahomes. He was at Texas Tech when my son was there. The Chiefs are a great organization. I kind of like the Saints, too. I was a Cowboys fan when I lived in Dallas. Most of their games are on TV here in Houston, but I’m not sure I can go there. We’ll see. I’m going to shop around a little more this time.
The Texans are saying that season ticket sales are going well, and they anticipate having the stadium full this season. I’m somewhat skeptical of that claim. However, if they are correct, it highlights the problem. As long as they make money, they can continue to do whatever they want, which is the message coming down from the commissioner’s office.
The other problem is that the fans pick and choose the values they stand up for. We all have different values. But, unfortunately, the fans have made it clear that cheating allegations violate their values more than sexual or domestic violence claims. We have no problem enforcing strict policies for one, but not the other. It should be the commissioner’s job to lead and uphold the stated values of the league rather than react and decide based on perceived public relations concerns, like a dictator.
Why not just consider the 22 allegations as “credible evidence” and automatically invoke the six-game suspension? Make it similar to the penalty for a positive test for a performance-enhancing drug. It would allow the legal drama to unfold independently. The Texans could then trade Watson and get the value in return for him they expect, and Watson could move on knowing that he risks his contract with a subsequent offense.
It’s time for the NFL to inspire our communities, embrace their unique leadership role in society and do the right thing when no one is looking, even if it is unpopular when they are looking. For once.