CLEVELAND — Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been suspended for 11 games and must pay a fine of $5 million following accusations of sexual misconduct, the NFL confirmed Thursday afternoon.

The league said in addition to the suspension and fine, “Watson will promptly undergo a professional evaluation by behavioral experts and will follow their treatment program.”

The suspension resulted from a settlement between the NFL and the NFL Players Association, and the settlement concludes the disciplinary process.

In a statement, Watson said he appreciated the support he received and was grateful the disciplinary process had ended. He said his focus “going forward is on working to become the best version of myself on and off the field….”

Watson was asked at a press conference Thursday if he thinks the settlement is fair.

“I’m going to keep my opinion to myself," he said.

Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam also made a statement pointing to the future.

“Now that a decision on discipline has been reached, we understand this is a real opportunity to create meaningful change, and we are committed to investing in programs in northeast Ohio that will educate our youth regarding awareness, understanding, and most importantly, prevention of sexual misconduct and the many underlying causes of such behavior,” the statement said.

The league said “Watson’s fine and contributions from the NFL and the Browns of $1 million each will create a fund of $7 million,” which will “support the work of nonprofit organizations across the country that educate young people on healthy relationships, promote education and prevention of sexual misconduct and assault, support survivors, and related causes.”

A six-game suspension had been originally suggested by former U.S. District Judge Sue L. Robinson, but the NFL appealed the ruling. Robinson’s ruling found Watson violated the league’s personal conduct policy on multiple occasions.

The league had sought to ban Watson for at least one year for violating its personal conduct policy, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appointed former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey to handle the appeal.

Harvey is an attorney who was previously involved in the NFL’s decision to suspend Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott for six games during the 2017 season for domestic violence allegations.

Watson, who signed a five-year, $230 million deal with the Browns, faced 24 civil lawsuits for alleged sexual misconduct while he played for the Houston Texans.

The NFL said Watson’s suspension will take effect at the final roster cutdown. He will be eligible for reinstatement Nov. 28. Watson could first be eligible to play quarterback for the Browns on Dec. 4 versus the Texans.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.