When the NFL penalized the Texans for a salary-cap reporting violation involving former Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson and a gym membership, Cal McNair pushed back against the league’s punishment.
The team went through an appeals process, but they were ultimately docked a fifth-round draft pick and given a $175,000 fine after an initial punishment of a fourth-round pick being taken away and a $250,000 fine levied.
Texans chairman and CEO Cal McNair is still upset about the decision.
“We did argue and stated our case several times through the appeals process,” McNair said, via the Houston Chronicle. “There was a little more informal appeal process before the formal appeals process, and I made several calls because I felt the penalty was too harsh for what happened. At the end of the day, it is what it is, and we’re looking forward to having all of this behind us and moving forward.”
When the league investigated sexual misconduct allegations and civil litigation involving Watson during a personal conduct policy review, the membership to the Houstonian hotel and spa was discovered. That happened prior to Watson finalizing a four-year, $156 million contract, which is what Roger Goodell confirmed was how the information was disclosed.
According to the NFL collective bargaining agreement, NFL teams have to report any player compensation or benefit.
Watson was traded to the Cleveland Browns last year and signed to an unprecedented $230 million fully guaranteed contract.
