What will fate decide for an NFL player who might lose a $230 million contract?
Soon the public will find out, as Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is scheduled for a hearing. He was accused of sexual misconduct in two dozen civil lawsuits filed by women. This violated the NFL’s conduct policy, requiring Watson to be suspended without pay for at least the entirety of the 2022 season. He will have to apply for reinstatement under the league’s proposed penalty.
According to the Washington Post, “The NFL Players Association is expected to argue to the former U.S. district judge Sue L. Robinson, the disciplinary officer jointly appointed by the league and the NFLPA, for far less severe discipline against Watson, perhaps seeking no suspension at all.”
Robinson will make the disciplinary ruling under the revised personal conduct policy with the collective bargaining agreement in 2020.
If Robinson rules that Watson has violated the policy and imposes disciplinary measures, the league or the union would then appeal the penalty to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, or a person designated by him. If Robinson ruled that Watson did not violate the policy, the case will be closed, with no possibility of an appeal.
Though Watson did not play last season, the Texans placed him on their game-day inactive list weekly, but he was not suspended and was paid his entire salary.
Soon the public will find out, as Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is scheduled for a hearing. He was accused of sexual misconduct in two dozen civil lawsuits filed by women. This violated the NFL’s conduct policy, requiring Watson to be suspended without pay for at least the entirety of the 2022 season. He will have to apply for reinstatement under the league’s proposed penalty.
According to the Washington Post, “The NFL Players Association is expected to argue to the former U.S. district judge Sue L. Robinson, the disciplinary officer jointly appointed by the league and the NFLPA, for far less severe discipline against Watson, perhaps seeking no suspension at all.”
Robinson will make the disciplinary ruling under the revised personal conduct policy with the collective bargaining agreement in 2020.
If Robinson rules that Watson has violated the policy and imposes disciplinary measures, the league or the union would then appeal the penalty to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, or a person designated by him. If Robinson ruled that Watson did not violate the policy, the case will be closed, with no possibility of an appeal.
Though Watson did not play last season, the Texans placed him on their game-day inactive list weekly, but he was not suspended and was paid his entire salary.
