This past Tuesday, June 28th, was the start of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s hearing by the NFL’s disciplinary officer on accusations of sexual misconduct. The NFL will push for at least a one-year suspension.
The NFL argues that Watson violated the personal conduct policy in twenty-four civil cases, and should be suspended indefinitely without pay for at least the 2022 season.
On the other side, the NFL Players Association will argue for a more lenient punishment. To help their argument, they will likely reference instances where the NFL chose not to suspend owners Daniel Snyder, Robert Kraft, and Jerry Jones over incidents that involved them and their teams.
Prior to the previous conduct policy, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell would’ve made the ruling. Under the new system, updated in 2020 with revisions and inclusion of the collective bargaining agreement, the disciplinary officer, Sue L. Robinson, will now make the initial ruling.
If Watson is deemed to have violated the conduct policy and faces disciplinary measures, then the NFL or union can appeal to Goodell. However, if Watson is deemed to have not violated the policy, then the case is closed.
The length of the hearing and when Robinson will make a ruling is still undetermined. However, according to a person who has knowledge of the matter, the NFL’s goal is to have the case resolved before training camp, which is before July 27th, as that’s when the Browns’ first full practice will begin.
Currently, Watson has not been charged with any crimes and has denied the allegations, saying on twitter, “I have never treated any woman with anything other than the utmost respect.” According to attorney Tony Buzbee, he has settled in 20 of the 24 lawsuits, with the remaining four to be settled in court. However, the NFL announced the results of the civil lawsuits would have “no impact” on how the league will handle the allegations.
If Watson is suspended for the 2022 season, he will lose $1.035 million from his five-year $230 million contract he signed with the Browns. In addition, there is a chance that he would also be fined by the NFL.
Commenting on the situation, the head coach for the Browns, Kevin Stefanski, told reporters that “I’m going to be respectful of the investigation, of the legal proceedings and let that play out.”
Link To Article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/06/25/deshaun-watson-nfl-suspension/
The NFL argues that Watson violated the personal conduct policy in twenty-four civil cases, and should be suspended indefinitely without pay for at least the 2022 season.
On the other side, the NFL Players Association will argue for a more lenient punishment. To help their argument, they will likely reference instances where the NFL chose not to suspend owners Daniel Snyder, Robert Kraft, and Jerry Jones over incidents that involved them and their teams.
Prior to the previous conduct policy, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell would’ve made the ruling. Under the new system, updated in 2020 with revisions and inclusion of the collective bargaining agreement, the disciplinary officer, Sue L. Robinson, will now make the initial ruling.
If Watson is deemed to have violated the conduct policy and faces disciplinary measures, then the NFL or union can appeal to Goodell. However, if Watson is deemed to have not violated the policy, then the case is closed.
The length of the hearing and when Robinson will make a ruling is still undetermined. However, according to a person who has knowledge of the matter, the NFL’s goal is to have the case resolved before training camp, which is before July 27th, as that’s when the Browns’ first full practice will begin.
Currently, Watson has not been charged with any crimes and has denied the allegations, saying on twitter, “I have never treated any woman with anything other than the utmost respect.” According to attorney Tony Buzbee, he has settled in 20 of the 24 lawsuits, with the remaining four to be settled in court. However, the NFL announced the results of the civil lawsuits would have “no impact” on how the league will handle the allegations.
If Watson is suspended for the 2022 season, he will lose $1.035 million from his five-year $230 million contract he signed with the Browns. In addition, there is a chance that he would also be fined by the NFL.
Commenting on the situation, the head coach for the Browns, Kevin Stefanski, told reporters that “I’m going to be respectful of the investigation, of the legal proceedings and let that play out.”
Link To Article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/06/25/deshaun-watson-nfl-suspension/
