NFLPA executive VP Troy Vincent comments on Deshaun Watson allegations

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has been in the news all offseason. It started when he requested a trade from the organization mere months after signing a lucrative long-term contract.

Watson’s presence in the news since has not been football related. Rather, last year’s passing champion is facing sexual assault allegations from more than 20 women in civil cases. While the quarterback has denied said allegations, the Houston Police Department has opened up a criminal investigation. Meanwhile, the NFL is conducting its own investigation under the personal conduct policy.

NFLPA Executive Vice President Troy Vincent just recently opened up about the Deshaun Watson allegations in an interview on Fox Sports Radio with fellow former NFLers LaVar Arrington, TJ Houshmandzadeh and Plaxico Burress.

“I’m just praying for the young man, personally, today,” Vincent said. “I’m praying for him and his family. I’m praying for the young ladies that have come out. This is not good for anybody, forget the sport.”

A five-time Pro Bowler during his 15-year NFL career, Vincent has pretty much seen everything and anything off the field. While this seems to be a company line response, the former cornerback expanded on it a bit.

“But I think we’ve learned that every situation’s different. They’re delicate. You make sure that folks, whether it’s the accuser, the victim, whoever it may be, that there’s a due process in place,” Vincent continued. “And I think we’ve learned that over time, not that we’ve rushed in the past, but I think we’ve learned from the different cases that we’ve seen with this particular subject matter, let the due process take care of itself, then that’s up to Lisa (Friel) and her team to now make the proper recommendations to what direction the Commissioner and the Commissioner’s office should take.”

Vincent is indicating that the NFL should not make a decision as it relates to a potential punishment until the legal process itself plays out. In the past, that has not been the case. See Ezekiel Elliott.