Sources: NFL insists on indefinite suspension for Browns' Watson
The NFL insisted on an indefinite suspension while Deshaun Watson's legal team argued there's no basis for that punishment as both sides presented their cases in front of a retired judge in Delaware on Tuesday, two people in attendance told The Associated Press.
The hearing will continue on Wednesday and Watson is scheduled to be there for the duration, according to one person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the hearing isn't public.
Former U.S. District Judge Sue Robinson, who was jointly appointed by the league and the NFL Players' Association, will determine whether Watson violated the NFL's personal conduct policy and whether to impose discipline.
Watson agreed to settle 20 of 24 civil lawsuits for sexual misconduct, but the league is seeking at least a one-year suspension, one of the people told the AP. Watson's side, led by renowned attorneys Jeffrey Kessler and Rusty Hardin, wants the three-time Pro
Bowl quarterback to play this season for the Cleveland Browns.
SOURCES: COMMANDERS, MCLAURIN AGREE ON 3-YEAR EXTENSION >>
Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders hammered out a new contract for the star receiver, ending the team's biggest footballrelated saga of a tumultuous offseason a month before training camp begins.
McLaurin agreed to terms on a three-year contract, according to two people with knowledge of the
move who spoke to The Associated Press.
One person confirmed the new deal is worth up to $71 million with roughly $53 million guaranteed, including a $28 million signing bonus. According to Spotrac, a website that tracks contracts, it's the highest signing bonus for a receiver, slightly more than the $27.5 million DeAndre Hopkins got from the Arizona Cardinals in 2020. MAYFIELD `READY TO MOVE ON' FROM BROWNS >> Baker Mayfield said the Cleveland Browns have work ahead if they want him to help them through their situation with Deshaun Watson.
Mayfield, speaking at his football camp near the University of Oklahoma's campus, didn't entirely close the door on stepping in if needed.
“No, I think for that to happen, there would have to be some reaching out,” Mayfield said. “But we're ready to move on, I think, on both sides.”
Pro basketball
SOURCE: HARDY ACCEPTS OFFER TO BECOME JAZZ COACH >> Boston Celtics assistant Will Hardy has accepted an offer to become the coach of the Utah Jazz, a person with knowledge of the negotiations said.
Hardy will become an NBA head coach for the first time. He will replace Quin Snyder, who decided to leave the Jazz earlier this month after eight seasons. SOURCE: WESTBROOK EXERCISES $47M OPTION WITH LAKERS >> Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook is exercising his option to play for $47.1 million next season, a person with direct knowledge of the decision said.