Our weekend plans? Watching the WNBA playoffs, of course, and gearing up for not one, but two exciting GIST announcements dropping next week. Let’s just say things will be looking a little different around here.

• But that’s enough about us, let’s get this Friday started with some sports news.

Wherever Bronny is at, that's where I'll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It's not about the money at that point.

Content warning: This section contains mention of sexual assault.

The GIST: There was finally a resolution yesterday to the controversy surrounding Cleveland Browns quarterback (QB) Deshaun Watson, who’s faced multiple sexual assault allegations. Spoiler alert: it’s not a happy one.

The context: Following the NFL’s investigation into Watson’s behavior, independent Disciplinary Officer Judge Sue L. Robinson handed the QB a six-game suspension (and notably levied no fine against him) earlier this month.

• But the NFL appealed that suspension, with Commissioner Roger Goodell assigning Peter C. Harvey, a former attorney general with experience in sexual misconduct cases, to make the final decision.

• Many expected (and hoped) Harvey would rule in favor of at least a season-long suspension, the length the NFL reportedly advocated for.

The settlement: Instead, Watson and the league reached a settlement yesterday, prior to Harvey’s ruling, in which the QB will serve an 11-game suspension (out of 17 regular season games), undergo a professional evaluation and treatment plan and pay a $5M fine, the largest player fine in NFL history.

• That 11-game suspension means Watson can return in Week 13 against…the Houston Texans, the former squad he requested a trade from back in 2021 before sitting out the season due to the misconduct allegations. What a coincidence.

The bigger picture: Many *raises hand* were dismayed by the league once again failing when it comes to cases involving violence against women. And this example is particularly infuriating considering Watson continues to show zero remorse, saying yesterday, “I’ve always been able to stand on my innocence.”

• The league will use the $5M fine (along with an additional $2M contributed by them and the Browns) to invest in nonprofits that prevent sexual misconduct and assault, but writing a check won’t make this problem go away.

The GIST: The playoffs are here and they’ve already brought upsets, highlight reel plays and plenty of fun. Just imagine what could be in store when the best-of-three first-round series continue this weekend.

Last night’s Game 1s: Alyssa Thomas warned us the No. 3 Connecticut Sun were hungry — and last night, they feasted, topping the No. 6 Dallas Wings 93–68 thanks to 19 points from reigning MVP Jonquel Jones.

• Dallas, who were playing without top scorer Arike Ogunbowale (pronounced uh-REE-kay OH-goon-buh-WALL-ay) due to an abdominal injury, will need some extra bounce to stay in contention this Sunday at 12 p.m. ET (ABC).

• In the late game, Breanna Stewart posted 23 points, anchoring the No. 4 Seattle Storm to a back-and-forth 86–83 win over the No. 5 Washington Mystics. The Storm have home court advantage, but this series seems destined to go all three games. We’ll find out Sunday at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Tomorrow’s Game 2s: After stunning the No. 2 Chicago Sky 98–91 at home on Wednesday, the No. 7 NY Liberty are one win away from a trip to the semifinals. Look away, Sky fans — the Game 1 loss marked the most points Chicago has given up in a playoff game since 2016. They’ll look to their defense to step it up at home tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET (ESPN).

• Elsewhere, the No. 8 Phoenix Mercury just can’t catch a break. Already dealing with the absence of Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi and Skylar Diggins-Smith, Mercury star Shey Peddy was carried off the court during Wednesday’s 79–63 loss to the No. 1 Las Vegas Aces. You truly hate to see it.

• The series odds are in Vegas’ favor, but this Phoenix squad won’t go down without a fight when Game 2 tips off tomorrow at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

The GIST: Feeling overwhelmed by climate news? You’re not alone. Luckily, The Washington Post’s new Ecokitchen newsletter is dishing out planet-saving kitchen tips to make your next game day snack more eco-friendly.

The specs: In Ecokitchen, vegan chef and TV host Priyanka Naik serves up sustainable living tips over the course of eight weeks. From advice on reusing pasta water to repurposing banana peels, this newsletter will help you make a real difference.

The blueprint: You come to us to feel empowered in the sports world, now head to The Washington Post to feel empowered in creating and maintaining sustainable habits. Sign up for the free Ecokitchen newsletter today and take part in a greener tomorrow.

🎾 Tennis: Western & Southern Open — Today through Sunday — Tennis Channel

• Americans Madison Keys (who pulled off a massive upset against top-ranked Iga Świątek yesterday), Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz are swinging their way into today’s quarter-final action. It’s a party in the USA.

⚾ Baseball: Little League World Series — Today through next Sunday — ESPN

• Don’t miss Utah’s first-ever team — featuring Falynn Randall, the only girl in this year’s tournament — band together after facing a scary injury when they take on Tennessee today at 2 p.m. ET.

⛳ PGA: BMW Championship — Today through Sunday — NBC/Golf Channel/ESPN+

• As LIV Golf drama continues to swirl off the links, American Keegan Bradley leads the traitor LIV Golf–less pack after round one.

🤸 U.S. Gymnastics Championships — Today through Sunday — NBC Sports

• The country’s top talents continue to artistically duke it out in hopes of earning a spot on Team USA’s worlds roster. And while this year’s competition is going down in Florida, USAG said yesterday that access to reproductive rights will influence future tourney locations. Now that’s a perfect 10.

⚽ The Women’s Cup: Racing Louisville FC vs. OL Reign — Tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET — CBS Sports

• This midseason tournament pitted these two NWSL squads against four other top global squads: Club America, Tottenham Hotspur, AC Milan and Tokyo Verdy Beleza. Now it’s time to crown the best of the best.

The latest episode of The GIST of It podcast, of course. Co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz break down the head-scratching discrepancy between women’s and men’s league broadcasting deals. Money talks, literally.

The PWHPA showcase. Despite hopes the association would have a new league running by January 2023, they announced yesterday that their Dream Gap Tour will begin its fourth season this October.

USWNT star Julie Ertz and Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach announced the birth of their baby boy, Madden, yesterday. Absolutely adorable.

This contest to win a four-night wine getaway for two to the Champagne region of France, including flights, hotel, a tasting class in a historic cellar and multiple wine tours. Oui oui, indeed. Enter here.