Deshaun Watson’s decision is expected Monday

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Deshaun Watson’s decision is expected Monday

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The NFL and NFL Players Association are expected to receive a written disciplinary decision in Deshaun Watson’s personal conduct arbitration on Monday, two sources familiar with the proceedings told Yahoo Sports.

The sources said league and union officials have been notified that former federal judge Sue L. Robinson, who is the independent disciplinary arbitrator in the Watson case, is set to rule on whether the Cleveland Browns quarterback violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy and whether suspension is warranted for each violation.

A potential decision to suspend Watson is on hold after a hearing in late June in which the NFL and NFLPA presented Robinson with evidence and arguments related to the league’s investigation.

Robinson’s pending decision was first reported by CBS Sports.

Watson reported to Browns camp on July 22 and worked out with the team pending Robinson’s decision. While Robinson’s decision will provide clarity on the next step in the process, there remains some mystery as to how each side will respond to her decision. In the event Robinson determines there is no evidence of personal misconduct, the disciplinary proceedings will be closed without appeal.

The more likely outcome expected by the NFL and NFLPA is that Robinson will be determined a violation and the corresponding suspension, opening a window in which the league or union can choose to appeal the decision. If neither side does, Robinson’s decision will be the final word on the case. If either party appeals, the final decision on the suspension will go to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell or his designee. After that, the only way to fight any suspension from the Watson camp and the union will be to try to overturn the decision through a federal court case.

Watson’s future is in limbo following a league investigation into 24 civil lawsuits filed against the quarterback alleging sexual misconduct or sexual assault. Twenty of the 24 cases have been settled out of court, while four remain on track for trial. Sources previously told Yahoo Sports that the NFL has submitted investigative material related to five of the women who filed lawsuits against Watson, including face-to-face interviews with four of the alleged victims and other digital exhibits. At the hearing, the NFL wanted an indefinite suspension of at least one year, after which Watson would have to apply for reinstatement from Goodell.

The NFLPA released a statement Sunday night declaring its intention to accept Robinson’s decision — and apparently withdraw from any appeal efforts — while calling on the NFL to do the same.

“Prior to Judge Robinson’s ruling, we wanted to recap the facts of this proceeding. First, we have fully cooperated with every NFL investigation and provided the NFL with the most comprehensive set of information for any investigation into 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 the arguments from both sides.Every player, owner, business partner and interested party deserves to know that our process is legal 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.”

Sources tell Yahoo Sports that the NFL and NFL Players Association are expected to receive a written disciplinary decision in Deshaun Watson’s personal conduct arbitration on Monday. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

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