The NFL’s defining offseason story continues to head toward its conclusion, though disciplinary officer Sue Robinson’s decision should be expected to be the first of a few involving Deshaun Watson. Appeals and a potential legal fight may well be up next to determine the punishment for the Browns quarterback. Here is the latest on the Watson front:
- Robinson’s decision is not expected to emerge this week, Josina Anderson of CBS Sports tweets. The post-hearing briefs were not due until July 12, and while an announcement this week would clear the way for this saga’s next chapter to begin before the Browns break for training camp, the retired judge has been expected to take her time and issue a detailed report. This delay opens the door to the Browns not knowing how long Watson will be suspended until well after camp begins. Appeals could push this process close to Week 1, while a court fight would likely drag the matter into the regular season. Recent NFL suspensions that went to court led to Tom Brady and Ezekiel Elliott playing after receiving injunctions, but both players eventually served their original-length bans.
- The NFL has made its push for a full-season suspension clear, with three sources informing USA Today’s Mike Jones the league’s long-rumored intent did, in fact, come to light during the three-day June hearing.
- Continuing the roundabout news cycles associated with potential Watson punishment, Robinson’s ruling could put Roger Goodell and NFL brass to the test. A two- to eight-game ban stands to be the most likely outcome, a source informed Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. This verdict would likely require the NFL standing down regarding an appeal. While overturning an independent arbitrator’s decision in this disciplinary process’ first go-round would further damage the NFL’s relationship with the NFLPA, the league would run into more bad PR if a two- or four-game ban came to pass. This is, however, the second report this week to predict the 26-year-old QB playing in 2022.
- Part of the reason for Watson’s side to hope for lighter punishment: the NFL’s case. Anderson adds the NFL focused on four accusers’ accounts (Twitter link) — based on what has been uncovered during the league’s lengthy investigation — instead of the previously reported five during the hearing. Multiple women still suing Watson accused him of sexual assault, but Jones notes the NFL’s presentation did not include examples of sexual assault, force or violence. The attorney for the accusers, Tony Buzbee, was unsurprised by this, indicating the majority of Watson’s accusers allege the quarterback committed “indecent exposure and assault; that is, touching without consent.” The CBA calls for a baseline suspension of six games for “sexual assault involving physical force,” pushing Watson’s alleged misconduct into a gray area with regards to league punishment.
- The NFLPA indeed referenced minimal or no punishment given to owners Dan Snyder, Robert Kraft and Jerry Jones during the hearing. The NFL, in its post-hearing brief, countered that by indicating the union’s issues with owner discipline (or lack thereof) are irrelevant to the Watson matter, Anderson adds (on Twitter).
- If Watson ends up receiving a suspension that covers much of 2022, the Browns plan to sign a backup quarterback. They are not expected to pursue a starter-caliber passer, with the team confidence Jacoby Brissett can handle those responsibilities during Watson’s absence.
I hope he doesn’t play a game just because of the way the team treated Mayfield
I think poor Baker will be ok in Carolina.
Just let him play.
You can almost sense the NFL testing the wind. It smells like a Taco Bell fart but they can’t help to want to hope otherwise.
So it’s 6 games per accuser right…
I mean if you commit 6 crimes of battery you get 6 charges
But those charges have a way of vanishing if the accused has the money for a settlement.
Tjeck……I’ve been telling you that Watson didn’t really do anything that egregious. 2 games. Let’s play some football
Yeah and if he was on the Steelers you’d want him banned for life.
Your disgusting if you think he didn’t do anything that egregious
If he were on the Steelers or any team, I wouldn’t be commenting. My opinion would be the same. Indecent exposure and touching without consent. You probably did that on a date before
You are so blinded by your love of Watson it’s pathetic.. Seriously, get a grip.
You read the article. He exposed himself and did unwanted touching. Not hardly the crime of the century
Guy give it a rest. So if someone were to touch your sister/mom/granny/boyfriend like that I bet you wouldn’t be singing the same tune. How have you not been banned from here yet is a mystery to us all
If was player on browser he would be OK with it.
A browser? Wow.
Browns of course.
Browns
Too late
Why would they ban me? Because I don’t Watson did that much? Apparently the Grand Juries don’t either. Did you read the article? You are not the smartest person on here. Watson was inappropriate but not forcefully. You do realize that he’s not accused of rape. He touched someone while getting a massage. Guaranteed that happens a lot during outcall massages. Is it appropriate? No, but hardly worth a years suspension. Give him 4 games
Because you suck off Watson off in your sleep then come here and try to defend him even though it’s obvious to anyone with half a brain that he’s guilty. Continue your pathetic life where you feel it’s okay to touch someone inappropriately and nothing should happen to you
So how did it go from Watson saying he’s completely innocent yet he pays 20+ women out. I bet you thought Kobe Bryant was completely innocent too
Let us know when you touch Watsons groin without consent.
Brownsbacker is dying to touch Watson without consent
BB9 is already set up at the glory hole in the Browns practice facility, just waiting for QBs to show up for workouts….
And big barn is another guy that comes on here for his fantasies….and I’m not talking football either
And you’re the big bad wolf that runs his mouth as a keyboard warrior but when you see someone in person you don’t make a peep. The gloryhole position is your dream job it’s quite obvious too bad they turned you down
Apparently Big Barney and Beerbelly guy have a thing.
Ahhh prove my point. How bout we meet up in person and we finish this discussion? It would be nothing more than you getting stomped out
You mad Beerbelly?
Not mad at all. Just if it walks like a troll talks like a troll and looks like a troll then you must be a troll
There’s just no getting through to him. It’s obvious what kind of person Watson is to everyone on here but him. Best to just utilize the mute button for trolls like him
“The CBA calls for a baseline suspension of six games for “sexual assault involving physical force,”
The world is ****ed.
Supposedly serious adult people wrote that on paper, looked at it and said, ‘yeah, that seems fine.”
Should be per offense not a blanket pardon for 23 of 24
You’re telling me. I’d like to see a Trevor Bauer outcome here, or at the very least he’s suspended this season and pays a fine equal to what he earned last season.
Things are looking good for D
I suppose you were on the side of Dahlmer and Bundy. They didn’t have any victims testify against them. They must have been innocent too.
I thought you were humorous at first but you are past that. You must really hate women to have your stance. I will also say I was a gentle on my dates I did nothing unwanted. You can think all guys are like you but some of us are nice guys.
So basically, you’re a geek?
You can’t be 62 years old.
really? you are comparing 2 serial killers with Watson and his unwanted touching? Wow, get some perspective.
These people on here are either mad because Watson didn’t pick their team, or he plays for a team in their division. It amazes me that people act like he committed a horrific crime. DUI is a worse offense than touching a masseuse
You really said a DUI is worse then sexual assault?? Okay I’ll give it to you if the DUI ended with a death otherwise that might be the most asinine thing I’ve heard on this website ever
I said a DUI is worse than touching someone inappropriately. This is not that egregious. DUI can and do kill. Actually, alcohol should be illegal.
As an obvious survivor of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, I guess you would want to make alcohol illegal. You obviously aren’t a true Browns fan, as they need the alcohol to numb the pain every Sunday. Woof woof!
Wow you’re a real piece of trash. Can’t wait until you’re sexually assaulted in prison.
You mad bro? Of course you are because Watson isn’t getting the suspension you were praying for Barney.
Medic try and reread my post and use some compression.
I took Bundy very seriously he abducted 4 or 5 girls from where I swam as a kid. We had friends see him take one. At the time didn’t know but did after. People were locked up in their houses before he moved on.
Did they have proof with Bundy? You’re not going to have the dead person as a witness. That would be easier for prosecutors though
You love Watsons D
If he does play a game in 2022 it might be the last year he does play in the NFL. Not a lot of talk about this but there’s a trial coming up next spring. Four of the accusers are going to trial. This will be public. Their testimony will be heard and read throughout the country. That’ll be the end of DeSean Watson in the NFL.
Haha. You have no clue how the law works. The counties refused to indict. Case is closed for criminal trials unless a new person comes forward with proof that a crime took place. The rest of his civil cases will be settled. This is game over. Now, if he does something new, then the Browns can get out of the contract but I don’t think he’ll do anything else. If people think he will, why hasn’t he done it since? Have the Astros banged on any more garbage cans? I love that this bothers you so much that Watson will be playing this year….and probably more than half the season too. Talk now is 2-8 games. I love it. Watson was railroaded
Dude; you doubt if Watson will do it again? He’s clearly a predator, even if you don’t think exposing himself and forcibly touching touching a woman, no make that 24 different women, is anything. So what if the courts declined to insight, doesn’t make it ok; but he’ll do it again. Anyway, for the poor excuse for a franchise, The Browns, get him back for 2/2 the season, it won’t be enough. Brissett will have you at maybe 2-6 by then & 2022 will be toast.
Don’t mind the troll. He’s just holding out hope that he be a victim in the 30-40 range. When you assault 20+ women you will always be a predator there is no remorse, I’m sure he was laughing when he paid off those women as he thought “few more months til the rest are silent then I can go back to it”
He won’t do it again. Did Roethlisberger? Did Kobe? Did Kraft? I don’t know why you want him to do it again.
The first 4 games are wins no matter who is quarterbacking the Browns. Panthers, Jets, Falcons and Steelers. The Browns were 6-7 with Mayfield as the quarterback last year and he was the 27th ranked passer. Brissett will probably do that good, plus he doesn’t turn the ball over like Baker
And you don’t know football. Browns have no shot without the molester.
They’ll have him. Try to follow along Barney.
Not forcibly. It was never forcibly. Surprisingly maybe
How many times have you touched Watsons D?
Quit fantasizing Barney
That’s his dream. He asks mommy every year for Watson in a can.. asks for bday, Easter, Halloween, thanksgiving and Xmas every single year. Too bad mommy can see you’re just a freak and doesn’t give in
You keep telling others they have no clue how the law works. I have told you repeatedly that sexual assault does not have to be forceful but you keep talking rape. Both sex assault but different degrees.
The Grand Jury is a state thing not a county. What makes you so sure they won’t or can’t bring it back again. It is not double jeopardy they already brought it up twice. They could bring it in front of a new Grand Jury they change every month. Plus they have the 25th girl that came out awhile ago. Keeping her under wraps must have some evidence. I tried to become a cop in early 20s was a reserve went through a abbreviated academy. I know a little about the law.
Each county seats their own Grand Juries…at least in Texas. A Grand Jury in both counties refused to move forward. You don’t know the law. The only way he can be brought up on charges is if new cases arise. I would think it’s over because Buzbee would have produced them by now. He inappropriately touched massage therapists.
And the front office just flipped the chart Browns headquarters indicating it’s been 34 days since Deshaun last violated a female.
BB I keep forgetting to ask are you one of the Yankee fans on the baseball side that thinks every big name player wants to play there and they deserve the biggest stars in the game? Your arguments are kind of like theirs. Short sighted and no brains used with it.
Nope. I don’t comment on baseball sites.
No time huh Watson mania 24/7. Got your Watson socks, your Watson Bottle and lunch pail. Also included is the Watson and Barbie beach house, you already told me that was your favorite. How do you find time on here with all your Watson toys to play with ??