Watson decision coming Monday
A decision on discipline for Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson following accusations of sexual misconduct is coming Monday.
Retired judge Sue L. Robinson has informed the NFL and the NFL Players’ Association she’s ready to issue a ruling on Watson’s disciplinary hearing that concluded a month ago.
Watson was accused of sexual harassment and assault by 24 massage therapists in Texas and has settled 20 of the civil lawsuits filed against him.
Four lawsuits remain pending and the attorney representing the women has said he hopes to take them to trial sometime next spring.
Two separate Texas grand juries declined to indict Watson on criminal complaints stemming from the allegations.
Watson, who played for four seasons with the Texans before being traded to the Browns in March, has been practicing with the Browns while Robinson has spent weeks trying to determine whether the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy and whether to impose discipline.
The NFL argued for an indefinite suspension of at least one year during a threeday hearing in Delaware last month. The league also wants to fine Watson $5 million, according to a person familiar with the discussions.
The union pushed for no punishment, though a person familiar with Watson’s defense told the AP in June that a suspension is expected and the goal is to have Watson play this season.
Settlement negotiations didn’t progress.
Golf: Ayaka Furue of Japan ran off six straight birdies in the middle of her round and rallied from a four-shot deficit with a 10-under 62 to win the Women’s Scottish Open on Sunday for her first LPGA Tour title . ... Tony Finau ran away with the Rocket Mortgage Classic on Sunday at Detroit Golf Club to become the first PGA Tour player in three years to win consecutive regular-season events. Finau closed with a 5-under 67 for a five-shot victory and a tournament-record 26-under 262 total . ... Henrik Stenson won in his debut on the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series. He shot 69 at Trump National. He won by two shots over Dustin Johnson and Matthew Wolf. And the payoff for Stenson was $4 million for the individual win.
MLB: In the span of four days, Mike Trout went from his career in peril to possibly picking a bat by the end of next week. The Angels star visited Thursday with Dr. Robert Watkins, a back specialist and codirector of the Marina Spine Clinic in Los Angeles. Trout is slated to begin rotational exercises on Wednesday and could return to swinging a bat shortly after. “It went from my career is over to now hopefully I’m going to play here soon,” Trout said.
Soccer: Cristiano Ronaldo says he’s “happy to be back” playing for Manchester United after appearing for 45 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano in a friendly match at Old Trafford. Ronaldo missed United’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia due to family reasons amid reports he wants to quit the club. But he reported to the training ground earlier this week to discuss his future with new boss Erik ten Hag. The 37-year-old Portuguese played 45 minutes against the La Liga side.