Watson decision remains on hold
The wait for a decision on potential discipline for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson following accusations of sexual misconduct will continue into another week.
Two people with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that retired judge Sue L. Robinson did not issue a ruling Friday on Watson’s disciplinary hearing that con- cluded a month ago. They spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the discussions are private.
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 Houston before being traded to Cleveland 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 person- al conduct policy and whether to impose discipline.
The league argued for an indefinite suspension of at least one year during a three-day hearing in Dela- ware last month. The NFL Players’ Association 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.
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Commanders: Coach Ron Rivera says Chase Young will not be ready to play for Washington in its season opener. Rivera ruled out Young for Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 11 as the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year works back from surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee. Young could miss the first four games of the season if he goes on injured reserve or remains on the physical- ly unable to perform list. Young injured the knee during a game last November.
Jaguars: Jacksonville waived undrafted rookie
Andrew Mevis a day after he badly missed three field-goal attempts during a training camp practice. They signed free agent
Elliott Fry to fill his roster spot.
Fry will now compete with Ryan Santoso for Jacksonville’s kicking job. Mevis nailed former Dallas Cowboys coach Dave Campo in the shoulder with one errant kick and sent two more groups of onlookers scattering during warmups Thursday. It was enough to prompt the Jag- uars to move in another direction less than a week before the team’s preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders in the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio.
Bears: Chicago center
Lucas Patrick is out indefinitely because of a right hand injury, leaving a retooled offensive line with- out an important piece. Coach Matt Eberflus
confirmed Friday that Patrick injured his right hand and said there is no timetable for his return.
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