All eyes on NFL’s pending decision on QB Watson
While Deshaun Watson maintains his innocence and fights to clear his name, the Cleveland Browns and football fans everywhere wait for the NFL to determine an appropriate penalty for the star quarterback accused of sexual misconduct by 24 women.
A person familiar with the league’s investigation told The Associated Press a decision is expected before training camp. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the investigation is still ongoing.
Once it concludes, former U.S. District Judge Sue Robinson, who was jointly appointed by the league and the NFL Players’ Association, will review the league’s findings to decide whether Watson
violated the personal conduct policy and whether to impose discipline.
This will be Robinson’s first case since being hired as the league’s disciplinary officer under the latest collective bargaining agreement finalized in March 2020. Previously, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had the authority to suspend players.
The league and the union can recommend a potential length of suspension. If either the union or league appeals Robinson’s decision, Goodell or his designee “will issue a written decision that will constitute full, final and complete disposition of the dispute,” per terms of Article 46 in the CBA.
Watson is not facing criminal charges after two grand juries in Texas declined to indict him. But he’s facing
civil lawsuits from 24 massage therapists accusing him of sexual assault and harassment during private sessions when he played for the Houston Texans.
On Tuesday, Watson stood by previous comments proclaiming his innocence.
“I never assaulted anyone,” Watson said. “I never harassed anyone or I never disrespected anyone. I never forced anyone to do anything.”
The NFL has punished several players for violating the league’s personal conduct policy without criminal charges.
The league promised to get tougher against players accused of violence against
women following fallout from Ray Rice’s case in 2014. The former Ravens star running back was initially suspended two games for an altercation with his future wife in a hotel elevator. all, more than 20 players have received suspensions for violating the personal conduct policy since 2014.
The league is well aware of public opinion in Watson’s case. The person familiar with the league’s internal discussions told the AP the NFL has learned from past mistakes of leniency in cases involving violence or sexual assault against women and that the allegations against Watson are severe enough to warrant a strict penalty.