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NFL disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson is expected to rule Monday on whether Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson violated the league’s personal conduct policy following sexual misconduct allegations, sources confirmed to ESPN.
If Robinson, who was appointed jointly by the league and the players’ union, imposes any punishment, either side will have three days to file a written appeal. In that event, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell or his designee “shall issue a written decision which shall constitute full, final and complete resolution of the dispute,” under the terms of Article 46 of the collective bargaining agreement.
The NFLPLA has already made it clear it will not appeal in a statement released Sunday night.
“Prior to Judge Robinson’s ruling, we wanted to restate the facts of this proceeding,” the union said in a statement. any investigation of the personal conduct policy. A former federal judge — appointed jointly by the NFLPA and the NFL — conducted a full and fair hearing, read thousands of pages of investigative documents and impartially reviewed arguments from both sides. Every player, owner, business partner and stakeholder deserves to know that our process is legitimate and will not be tainted based on the whims of the League office. Therefore, regardless of her decision, DeShon and the NFLPA will stand behind her decision, and we urge the NFL to do the same.”
Robinson heard arguments from the league, the union and Watson’s attorney during a three-day hearing held in her home state of Delaware in late June. The parties discussed a potential settlement during the hearing, but could not agree on a deal.
The league and Watson’s side did engage in additional settlement talks in recent days, sources told ESPN’s Dan Graziano, but neither side believed they were close to an agreement. The most Watson’s side have indicated they are willing to offer is a suspension in the range of six to eight games, according to sources. The best the league indicated it was willing to offer was a 12-game suspension and a hefty fine — on the order of $8 million.
Watson is accused of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior during massage sessions in civil lawsuits filed by 25 women. The meetings cited in the lawsuits took place between March 2020 and March 2021 while Watson was a member of the Houston Texans. One of the 25 lawsuits was dismissed after a judge ruled in April 2021 that the plaintiffs must amend their petitions to reveal their names. In June, Watson settled 20 of the 24 cases he faced; the other four remain active and are due to go to trial next year.
Last month, the Texans reached settlements with 30 women who filed lawsuits or were ready to file lawsuits against the organization for its alleged role in the allegations against Watson.
Although two grand juries in Texas declined to bring criminal charges against Watson earlier this year, the NFL is investigating whether he violated its personal conduct policy from last year. The NFL interviewed Watson a few days earlier this summer. League investigators have also spoken with several of the women.
Watson has consistently denied any wrongdoing and says she does not regret any of her actions during the massage sessions. Watson also said he cooperated with the NFL’s investigation and “answered truthfully every question” asked of him by the league’s investigators.
The Browns traded for Watson in March, sending three first-round draft picks to the Texans. Cleveland then gave Watson a new five-year contract worth $230 million, fully guaranteed, the richest deal in NFL history for any player.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said last week that Jacoby Brissett would become Cleveland’s starter if Watson is suspended. The Browns had Sunday off from training camp, but are scheduled to resume practice on Monday.
CBS Sports first reported that Robinson’s decision was expected on Monday.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler contributed to this report.
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