NFL won’t discipline Deshaun Watson for making contact with referee during Browns vs. Steelers

The NFL has released a statement in regards to Deshaun Watson’s actions against an official during the Browns-Steelers game on Monday Night Football. The quarterback made contact with a referee during an on-field scuffle, which usually results in a penalty. Watson was not flagged for the act.

“Officials are called upon to maintain order on the field, and sometimes while performing those duties, there is inadvertent contact between players and officials,” the NFL said, per Tom Pelissero. “In this instance, in their judgment, the contact did not rise to the level of a foul.”

From NFL on Deshaun Watson:

Officials are called upon to maintain order on the field, and sometimes while performing those duties, there is inadvertent contact between players and officials. In this instance, in their judgment, the contact did not rise to the level of a foul. pic.twitter.com/g71i07cfUH

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 19, 2023

During an on-field skirmish between Browns and Steelers players, officials attempted to get between the two sides. When one referee got in front of Watson, he attempted to move the official out of the way.

No penalty was issued as a result of the play, leaving many curious about the decision. But the NFL cleared up the rule on Tuesday.

???????????????? ???????? ????????????????????: #Browns QB Deshaun Watson should have been ejected from the game last night for this contact with an official.

The NFL just gave their opinion on this:

“Officials are called upon to maintain order on the field, and sometimes while performing those… pic.twitter.com/VBrMY1WUti

— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 19, 2023

Pittsburgh defeated Cleveland 26-22. Both teams are now 1-1 on the season.

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