Sue L. Robinson, NFL disciplinary officer, is expected to make a decision Monday about whether or not the NFL should be reprimanded. Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson Sources confirmed to ESPN that the league’s personal conduct policy was violated.
Watson has been accused in civil lawsuits by 25 women of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage session. The lawsuits mention encounters that took place in March 2020 and March 2021. Watson was part of the plaintiffs. Houston Texans. A judge ruled in April 2021 that plaintiffs had to amend their petitions to reveal their identities. One of the 25 lawsuits was dismissed. Watson settled 20 out of 24 lawsuits that he was facing in June. The remaining four are still active and will go to trial next year.
The last month saw the Texans reached settlements with 30 women People who claimed or were ready to make claims against Watson for their alleged involvement in the allegations against Watson.
Robinson heard from Watson’s attorney, the union, as well as arguments from the league and the union during a three-day hearing in Delaware late June. While the NFL demanded a suspension of at most one year, Watson’s lawyer and the NFLPA argued that the NFL should not suspend the quarterback. Both sides had discussed the possibility of a settlement throughout the hearing but couldn’t agree on a deal.
Robinson’s decision can be appealed by either the league or the union. Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, or his designee, “will issue a formal decision that will constitute the final, final, and complete disposition of this dispute,” per Article 46 of the collective bargaining agreements. The CBA states that each side has three days to appeal the decision.
While two Texas grand juries declined to bring criminal charges against Watson earlier in the year, the NFL is still investigating whether Watson violated its personal conduct policies since last year. Watson was interviewed by the NFL over several days earlier in summer. The investigators of the league also spoke with several women.
Watson has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, and said that he doesn’t regret any of his actions during the sessions. Watson said that he cooperated in the NFL investigation and answered every question truthfully.
The Browns traded Watson for three draft picks to Houston in March. Watson was then offered a five-year, fully guaranteed contract by Cleveland. This is the most lucrative deal in NFL history.
Kevin Stefanski, Browns coach, stated last week that Jacoby Brissett Watson’s suspension would mean that Watson would be Cleveland’s first choice. The Browns were off Sunday from training camp, but will resume practice Monday.
CBS Sports reported Robinson’s decision was expected Monday.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler contributed this report.