It looks like both Deshaun Watson’s camp and the NFL did not like his 6-game suspension, but for very different reasons.
On Monday, Judge Sue Robinson handed Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson a six-game suspension. On Wednesday, the NFL announced its decision to appeal the suspension as they will work to hand him a year-long suspension as well as a fine.
As it turns out, Watson’s camp hated the six-game suspension as well, because they thought it should’ve been lower.
“Watson’s camp was unhappy with the 6 game suspension, as they believed the number of games was too substantial,” ESPN NFL insider Dianna Russini said. “They continue to share that Watson did not do anything wrong. They have no comment on the league’s appeal at this time.”
If they hate the 6-game suspension, just think how they feel when it gets bigger.
After the six-game suspension was announced, the Haslams said Watson was “remorseful” for his actions.
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“We respect Judge Robinson’s decision, and at the same time, empathize and understand that there have been many individuals triggered throughout this process,” Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement Monday. “We know Deshaun is remorseful that this situation has caused much heartache to many and he will continue the work needed to show who he is on and off the field, and we will continue to support him.”
In her 16-page report, Robinson described Watson’s behavior as “more egregious than any before reviewed by the NFL.”
This is the first instance in which the league and the NFLPA have used a jointly chosen disciplinary officer to investigate infractions of the personal conduct rules since the current collective bargaining agreement was signed in 2020. Goodell has functioned as judge and jury in the past to punish players.
By appealing, the NFL is giving that power back to Goodell, who can chose another person to levy any punishment.
Watson, who played four seasons with the Texans before sitting out last season and then being traded to Cleveland in March, recently settled 23 of 24 lawsuits filed by the women who alleged sexual harassment or assault during massage treatments.
