NFL appeals 6-game suspension for Deshaun Watson, seeks extra extreme punishment

The NFL is interesting a disciplinary officer’s resolution to droop Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for six video games for violating the league’s private conduct coverage, giving Commissioner Roger Goodell or somebody he designates authority to impose a stiffer penalty.

Former federal decide Sue L. Robinson issued her ruling Monday after Watson was accused by two dozen ladies in Texas of sexual misconduct throughout therapeutic massage remedies whereas he performed for the Houston Texans.

In her 16-page report, Robinson described Watson’s habits as “extra egregious than any earlier than reviewed by the NFL.”

Robinson’s punishment — in her first case since being collectively appointed by the league and NFL Gamers Affiliation — fell effectively in need of the indefinite suspension of a minimum of one yr sought by the league.

So, the NFL on Wednesday exercised its proper to enchantment, per the collective bargaining settlement.

The gamers’ union has till the tip of enterprise Friday to reply in writing. The union may problem the enchantment ruling in federal courtroom, setting the stage for a chronic battle.

That is the primary time because the new collective bargaining settlement was signed in 2020 that the league and the NFLPA turned to a collectively appointed disciplinary officer to find out violations of the non-public conduct coverage. Previously, Goodell has served as decide and jury to impose penalties on gamers.

By interesting, the NFL is giving that energy again to Goodell, who can selected one other particular person to levy any punishment.

A league official advised The Related Press earlier than Watson’s three-day disciplinary listening to concluded in June that the NFL wished to keep away from an enchantment.

However the league proceeded with one amid a backlash from some followers. Different elements embrace Watson’s lack of regret, which Robinson famous in her report.

The NFL argued for an unprecedented punishment and wished to effective Watson a minimum of $5 million, an individual aware of the discussions advised the AP on situation of anonymity as a result of the listening to was non-public.

Watson, who performed 4 seasons with the Texans earlier than sitting out final season after which being traded to Cleveland in March, lately settled 23 of 24 lawsuits filed by the ladies who alleged sexual harassment or assault throughout therapeutic massage remedies in 2020 and 2021. Two grand juries in Texas declined to indict Watson on felony complaints introduced by 10 of the ladies.

Robinson concluded that Watson violated three provisions of the non-public conduct coverage: sexual assault; conduct posing a real hazard to the security and well-being of one other particular person; and conduct that undermines or places in danger the integrity of the NFL.

She declined to droop Watson for a full yr primarily based on precedents and the league’s present coverage. However Robinson concluded an extended suspension might be justified if it was already outlined within the private conduct coverage.

“Whereas it might be completely acceptable to extra severely self-discipline gamers for non-violent sexual conduct, I don’t imagine it’s acceptable to take action with out discover of the extraordinary change this place portends for the NFL and its gamers,” Robinson wrote in her report.

Watson has continued to apply with the Browns whereas awaiting decision to his case, which has raised questions in regards to the league’s dealing with of off-field participant habits, inconsistencies in its private conduct coverage and its total help of girls.

The Browns have been in a state of limbo as effectively, not figuring out when or if Watson will be capable of play this season.

Cleveland traded three first-round picks to Houston for the three-time Professional Bowl QB and signed him to a five-year, $230 million contract.

Watson will lose solely $345,000 if the suspension is unchanged as a result of his base wage this season is $1.035 million.