Browns QB expected to learn decision
After weeks of waitingseveral sources familiar with the situation told the Beacon Journal on Sunday that a decision was expected from Sue L. Robinson Monday in the NFL disciplinary case against Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson was the first to post the report on decision day. Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network said the decision is expected to be announced at 9am.
Browns training camp:Deshaun Watson greeted with cheers on first fan day
Amari Cooper:Deshaun Watson? Jacoby Brisset? Wide receiver doesn’t care who Browns QB will be
Robinson, the jointly appointed disciplinary officer by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, heard the case against Watson for potential violations of NFL Personal Conduct Policy June 28-30. The case stems from more than two dozen allegations of Watson’s sexual misconduct by women he procured massages from while quarterbacking for the Houston Texans.
A total of 24 women filed lawsuits in Texas against Watson between March 2021 and June. June 21st, 20 of the 24 women installed. On July 15, the Texans also settled with 30 women who made or intended to make claims against the organization for its role in this affair.
A decision, in the event of a suspension of any length whatsoever, may be appealed by either party. Those appeals would be heard by either NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell or someone he appoints.
The NFLPA released a joint statement with Watson on Twitter Sunday night regarding the impending ruling. The statement said Watson and the Players Association have no plans to appeal the decision.
“Prior to Judge Robinson’s rulings, we wanted to reiterate the facts of this proceeding,” the statement said. “First, we have fully cooperated with each NFL investigation and provided the NFL with the most comprehensive set of information for any personal conduct policy investigation. A former federal judge – jointly appointed by the NFLPA and the NFL – held a full and fair hearing, read thousands of pages of investigative materials, and considered both sides’ arguments impartially. Every player, owner, business partner, and stakeholder deserves to know that our process is legitimate and will not be tarnished by the whims of the League office. That is why, whatever his decision, Deshaun and the NFLPA will stand by his decision and we call on the NFL to do the same.”
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy had no comment on the potential ruling or the NFLPA’s statement.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported the two sides have been holding settlement talks in recent days. However, as has been the case throughout the process, they stayed away from a resolution, with Watson’s side agreeing to something between six and eight games, while the league sought 12 games plus a ‘heavy fine’. .
Watson was acquired by the Browns in a trade from the Texans on March 18. It was signed a new five-year, $230 million contractall guaranteed.
The NFL was requesting an indefinite suspension of at least one year, of which he notified Watson and the NFLPA within 10 days of the hearing in accordance with the collective agreement. Watson’s team’s counter argument called for no suspensions, pointing to the lack of discipline against several team owners for various perceived violations of the personal conduct policy.
Both parties were asked to submit post-hearing briefs to Robinsonthe former federal district judge of Delaware, by July 12. She worked on the decision, her first in the new role created by the ABC 2020.
Watson participated fully in Browns practices, both in the off-season and since training camp report July 22. He missed a few days during offseason practices to talk to NFL investigators.
Contact Chris at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com.
On Twitter: @ceasterlingABJ
