JULY 8: Indicating how far apart the NFL and NFLPA were at the Robinson-overseen hearing, Mark Maske of the Washington Post notes the league is pushing for an indefinite suspension that shelves Watson for at least a full season (Twitter link). Watson would need to apply for reinstatement to return. Conversely, the union pushed for no suspension at all during the hearing. Settlement talks are not completely dead, per Maske (on Twitter), but the odds of one appear slim at best.
JULY 7: Post-hearing briefs from the NFL and NFLPA are due in the Deshaun Watson case by next week, delaying the initial ruling a bit. During the hearing, the sides attempted to revisit the settlement talks that stalled in the weeks leading up to it. A settlement would shorten this endless process, eliminating an appeal. But it does not appear that will be how this ends.
After the league and the union discussed a settlement during the three-day hearing, ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports the parties left Delaware at odds on this subject. The NFL still wants a full-season suspension, but Graziano noted the league was willing to discuss a slightly lesser punishment — 12 games was mentioned but not confirmed as an NFL offer here — with the caveat of the suspension being indefinite.
Although the NFL seemingly opened the door to a scenario involving an indefinite ban that could allow Watson to play at some point in 2022, the Browns quarterback wanted no part of the indefinite condition. No settlement talks have occurred since the hearing, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk adds, noting that a source mentioned that, based on evidence and arguments in Delaware, an offer of an indefinite suspension with the possibility of Watson returning after 12 games would be unrealistic.
Watson’s camp is still pushing for the QB not being suspended at all for his alleged widespread sexual misconduct and sexual assault, Florio notes, with Graziano adding this process is “far past” the point of settlement. That means disciplinary officer Sue Robinson will make her ruling, expected before training camp, with the prospect of an appeal in play.
In the unlikely event Robinson rules Watson did not violate the NFL’s personal conduct policy, the league cannot appeal. Watson would then be eligible for Week 1. If Robinson suspends Watson for part of this season, it will test the NFL’s resolve. If the league seeks a full-season ban, Roger Goodell could ensure it on appeal. Though, that would mean overturning the verdict of a jointly approved arbitrator in the first go-round of this newly implemented policy. That would certainly not go over well with the NFLPA, which griped for years about the commissioner’s disciplinary overreach. Then again, the league being perceived as lenient with Watson could bring significant backlash. Robinson calling for a medium-length suspension would put the NFL to an interesting decision.
If they render zero discipline the fallout would be humongous.
I agree that there would be a huge backlash from fans but it would be a historic victory for the NFLPA who have always struggled to gain respect even from it’s own membership. That would all change if they could keep Watson from serving a suspension.
You think the NFLPA will gain respect by securing no suspension for a man who sexually assaulted over 20 women? Your definition of respect is different than most of ours
Yet TWO grand juries did not find enough evidence to go forward with a trial. Not saying he’s innocent of the allegations, but hard to see a full year for Civil suits when owners got 0 punishment.
Grand Juries in Texas. Not exactly a hot bed of justice. Plus you know this is not a legal proceeding. The burden in a criminal case is much higher than an NFL conduct code hearing.
No owner has been accused of sexual assault. No owner has been accused by 24 women of sexual assault. You either very stupid or worse think you’re smart, and think you can argue that DeSean Watson doesn’t deserve to be suspended.
Can’t say he sexually assaulted them as he was never found guilty of a thing. This tarnishes the NFL brand, but they can’t come to the conclusion he did anything criminal.
When he laid his Johnson in one of the his possible date for the night that was assault.
Grand juries are strange beasts. They say g
And Barry Bonds never did steroids during a steroid era right? He’s guilty… even if it’s of things that “jocks” just do. New Era for women now…. jock mentality/ frat boy behavior that’s gonna die off
Are you suggesting that the women lied? If you are suggesting that, then wouldn’t there be criminal charges against them for giving false testimony? If what they said is true, then he most certainly committed a crime. Soliciting sex for money is a crime. Read the conduct code. It is not enough to simply avoid a criminal charge. No one is trying to put him in jail. They are just trying to hold him accountable to the conduct code he agreed to.
Can’t say OJ Simpson killed two people. He was found innocent.
Do you see how stupid you sound?
@ bass86 / The NFLPA will certainly be taken more seriously by it’s members and it doesn’t actually need support from hypocritical fans.
They can’t.
The sad thing is the players are pointing to no punishment for Snyder and Kraft. They have a point but if Watson gets away with zero suspension then you might as well throw out the player conduct policy.
I love how making a mistake again in the spirit of “fairness” is somehow a good thing in anyone’s eyes.
Apples and oranges between the Kraft and Watson accusations.
Yeah I have no idea why so many people and media outlets are comparing these 2 things. Not even remotely close, and I’m a Bengals fan, very neutral on Kraft/Pats. Browns were formerly my 2nd favorite team, as I lived there for 3 years and loved the city.
Kraft did commit crime and basically all he got was a slap in the hand. Owners vs players treated very diff
You may have to check his hands for marks. I don’t think he even got slapped
I don’t think prostitution should get penalized at all, so a slap on the wrist was appropriate.
Much different than what Watson, I agree IF they’d done the same crime, Watson would likely get punished worse, which is unfair, but the 2 issues aren’t even remotely close.
Prostitution is a crime. It’s also a violation of the Code of Conduct. You do realize why it is illegal I hope?
Yes I do, a desire to control ppl, I’m more a freedoms and liberties guy.
I’m hoping I don’t have to detail why consent is important, that’s the difference between Kraft and Watson.
Prostitution isn’t always consensual. Have you ever heard of sex trafficking? Most are probably not doing it because it’s a choice of employment. Watson isn’t accused of rape anyway
Yes, that’s like the difference between a porno actress/actor and an unfortunate soul who is being forced into it.
Kinda like the difference between a guy punching a victim’s lights out and a person losing a boxing match.
Drug deals are consensual too. Is oxy and meth ok too? I mean you have a guy that wants to buy it and one that wants to sell it. Since you like freedoms, you must also like innocent until proven guilty. That describes Watson.
All drugs should be legal and so should prostitution.
The prostitutes are gonna have many more mental issues than someone who saw Watson’s junk
Correct, those drugs should be legal, even heroine and fentanyl, and the proceeds should fund drug rehab centers, rather than drug cartels and terrorist groups such as they do now.
Also correct, I’m not advocating for Watson to be arrested, the jury made their decision. He agreed to the NFL personal conduct policy, where he can also avoid that punishment, if he’d like to work somewhere besides the NFL.
But what did he do? I mean is there any proof he violated the Code of Conduct? Kraft violated the Code of Conduct and that was on tape. Still no punishment but you want to punish Watson without proof? He said it was consensual.
I’m not the sort of person who assumes countless dozen of women are liars, especially when they have proof on their phones.
I think that’s about enough conversation I plan to have with someone who defends a serial sexual predator.
Proof on their phones? Like an admission? You’re delusional. You think NFL players that sell meth and fentynal shouldn’t get suspended but a guy that exposes himself to a massage therapist should lose 2 years. Wow.
I think players who sell meth and fentanyl should be suspended and I think guys who shoot their loads on women without consent should get a lifetime ban, just for a full understanding of my perspective.
You really are delusional. Couldn’t the women leave the room when he started doing that? He’s fast but I thought that was just on the football field. That makes no sense. He exposed himself and asked for sex. Some obliged. Some even continued to see him. Watson will definitely play this year, as he should
You’re the biggest loser on Earth. Get a life. How many women have you assaulted. All you do is defend a man you’ve never met or had a conversation with because all you care about is a pro football team that you have absolutely nothing to gain from. You’ll always be a loser. Stop defending sexual predators.
Three wrongs make a right???
Nope, but why start being right now?
Because 26 women is a lot and he has demonstrated a pattern of deviant behavior that is not likely to change if nothing is done and the league doesn’t want to be in the same situation with this creep in another 18 months.
You’re a loser
He sat out a year already
And got paid
He can give last years salary to a women’s group. That’s a much bigger financial hit than he’ll get this year if he’s suspended for the whole year. 10 million to 1 million more. All sides win. Watson pays more money but he gets to play this year. Otherwise, he sits this year and pays only 1 million
I don’t care what he can do with money..not what I was responding to. Someone he stated he already sat out year like that was a penalty. Not much of a penalty he you still get paid.
And I said he could return that money and it would be like he didn’t get paid. Everyone wins except for Watson which is what you want anyway
Circle back? Ok Psaki
The league needs to set an example and inflict maximum punishment. This should also extend to the Texans and they should lose at least one of their 1st round picks they got in their trade, since it is now known that they enabled Watson’s repeated offenses.
I think this is an interesting idea and a fair compromise, and I say this as a Browns fan. It would hold Watson and the Browns both accountable, but the Texans basically knew all about this and let it happen before trying to wash their hands of it so they definitely played a part too.
But since I’m curious, what would you perceive as a maximum punishment? There isn’t really precedent for this so I’m not sure if there even is necessarily a maximum. When it’s all said and done after the ruling and appeals, I think it’ll end up being 8-10 games.
bare min should be a year. appealled down to 12 or so…
Do you sell used cars?
Whatever he does at least he’s not a supporter of sexual deviant assalters like you are.
You’re just mad because he left your team. Why do you support the cheating Astros?
You’re a lover of sexual predators
I get the feeling the NFL knows this is a no win situation, a long suspension after nothing being done about owners doing very similar things will make the players and players association go ballistic (the PA is still fighting for no suspension) and if they give him a light suspension the PR nightmare will be massive. They’ll look for the most middle ground route and hope no one is too mad, which will gaurentee no one is happy.
It’s not a no win situation for the NFL because they are not making the ruling. They’ve already gotten on the right side of the PR angle by seeking a year long ban. They will say they were agreeable to working out a reasonable settlement but the NFLPA was stubborn and wouldn’t play ball. They will follow through with a half hearted appeal if a short suspension is rendered but the ultimate objective is to get this whole mess in the rear view mirror and move on to other business.
Exactly. I wouldn’t doubt if the Browns or the league encouraged Watson to settle. Seems odd that he was against settling the week before. It’s not like more evidence came forward to get him to change his mind
No. His attorney’s probably convinced him that he is cooked in civil court.
In 5 days? Doubt it. I’m guessing the Browns wanted him to. The NFL only used 5 women’s testimony in the Code of Conduct hearing. I wonder why
5 was more than enough! They didn’t want to sit through 21 more women describing Watson’s genitals.
Haha. Not quite. Take another guess why.
Because 5 was more than enough and they didn’t want sit through 21 more women describing Watson’s genital warts.
I’m trying to remember? When did an owner have multiple women come out accusing him of sexual assault? I know of an owner who got busted at a massage parlor that actually doubles as a whorehouse. You know a place where you go to pay for sex. Which is not what DeSean Watson did. He forced himself on women. Against their will.
This is why women don’t come forward when they’re raped and assaulted.
Were you in the room when Watson allegedly did this? One of the accusers son came out yesterday and said his mom bribed him to stay quiet. No one will ever know what really happened in those rooms.
Well… Either do you.
Rondon…..exactly. What happens when you don’t know what really happened? Generally nothing. It’s innocent until proven guilty. Not guilty until proven innocent.
It depends who you choose to believe. If the women lied in their sworn testimony, then why have they not been arrested? They must have told the truth since no charges have been brought by a grand jury!!!
If Watson had assaulted them, why was he not arrested? They investigated him and no charges. Most people would be going back to work the next day. There isn’t many private companies that would suspend a worker who wasn’t charged or indicted. Police get their job back all the time. Free Watson
Why haven’t the women been charged with giving false testimony? Why didn’t he sue them for defamation instead of agreeing to pay damages? Your logic has to work both ways. If Watson wasn’t charged, a crime didn’t take place. If the women haven’t been charged with lying to a Grand Jury, then they must have told the truth.
Exactly. What happens in the United States when there’s no evidence from either side? I’ll give you a minute.
Are you talking to me??? How many times are we going to talk about this. This is the fifth time, minimum, we had to talk about this. This article isn’t about Watson going to prison (sadly), this is about the suspension resulting of Watson violating the NFL’s conduct policy. Based on the testimony of the victims and his willingness to pay damages, he has clearly violated this policy. We all know that he isn’t going to prison. I am suggesting that when determining the length of suspension, we can assume the women didn’t purger themselves because they haven’t been charged with a crime. I’ll give you a minute…and a dictionary.
No it isn’t who you choose to believe. It’s called evidence and facts. There are people who choose to believe Trump won the election but there are no facts or evidence of that. You need a civics lesson
There is evidence. Sworn testimony from 26 different people and an agreement to pay damages are pretty damming evidence. You choose to believe a sexual deviant, and I choose to believe the sworn testimony of 26 individuals, 20 of whom where paid for the damages caused by that sexual deviant. BTW, the NFL believes them too and are wanting an indefinite suspension. Without evidence??????
He gave a sworn statement too. My gosh, you can’t be this stupid?
I read it. He said that he “doesn’t know why women left their message sessions crying”. I believe him too. You and he have no idea what he did wrong. He is broken. If these 26 women lied about what happened to the Grand Jury you love so much, then why weren’t they charged with giving false testimony, and why did he pay damages instead of suing for defamation???? I am that stupid.
Do you ever watch movies? TV? When there’s a trial, if the guy on trial is not guilty, they don’t charge the witnesses with perjury. Everything that I’ve heard and read about the 3 days of hearings is that the NFL didn’t prove their case. I’ve also heard that they went to Watson’s attorneys and pitched an indefinite suspension but he can apply after 12 games. Watson turned it down. I’m hearing everything from 0-8 games is what he’ll get. You’ll just have to live with that. Why are you so adamant about this? I’m curious. You act like you pray every night for a lifetime ban. Whatever he gets isn’t going to affect your life one way or the other. I’m not a fan of Trevor Bauer but I could care less what his punishment is
You watch way too much TV. You most certainly can be charged with giving false testimony or perjuring yourself in any trial, regardless of the verdict. It isn’t about whether the defendant was ultimately found guilty or not, it is about giving false testimony or not. I agree that he will get whatever he gets as a punishment for what he has done, and it won’t impact my life in any way. I never would have commented on one story about this freaking deviant weirdo had you not posted your support of an admitted sexual predator. Admitted because he paid damages. I am hearing that the NFL is so confident that his 26 known violations of the conduct code warrant suspension that they have no need to negotiate a deal or even propose an end to the suspension. They are asking for indefinite and don’t want to negotiate from that number. If you want to know what would give me the most personal satisfaction is that he plays and sucks worse than Baker. I will enjoy every hard hit that creep takes. I think a fair suspension for what he agreed to pay for is 4 games per accuser, which is still pretty light for what I have read, and he agreed to pay for. You think he shouldn’t be punished and deserves to be the face of your franchise, and can hardly wait to support and defend him. We all get the back and forth. I don’t care what his punishment is, either. I care that people might think that all men are like you when they read your posts supporting this deviant.
Polish Hammer gets it! Thanks, Friend!
Actually the accusers son who came out, was never interviewed by the nfl and is not represented by Tony buzbee
Every accuser is represented by Buzbee
Wrong look it up bro
Everyone that has filed a lawsuit against him. I don’t care about the others
It’s someone trying to jump on bandwagon and basically scam
That’s the majority I believe
You said every accuser is represented by buzbee and used the son that lied as an example. That son his mom was not represented by buzbee and her case has yon no where
Every accuser that has filed a civil action against him is represented by Buzbee. He refused her case. The NFL only presented 5 cases out of the 24. Gee, I wonder why
I wonder why you think the NFL only needed the testimony of 5 of the 26 accusers to make their case for an indefinite suspension??? I think it’s because it was enough already to prove their point. Why do you think it is?????
If they haven’t filed a lawsuit and aren’t represented by a lawyer, then I don’t take them seriously. I’ve read everywhere that Buzbee represents all 24 complainants.
Then he should have sued for defamation instead of paying for damages.
So you think that all of these women are lying. They all got together in orchestrated this whole thing. Dude…. You literally can’t be more stupid than you are right now. I don’t feel sorry for you. I feel sorry for the people who know you in real life because they must be in danger that’s how stupid you are
Bass86…..paying for sex aka….sex trafficking is still a crime. You act like just because he pays for it, it’s ok. People buy meth and oxy too. Is that OK? At the very least, Kraft violated the Code of Conduct and should have been published. You didn’t answer me about the Astros. Do you love cheaters?
Paying for sex is most certainly not “aka sex trafficking” so get a clue there.
That’s what the FBI was investigating with Kraft. Why do you think they illegally had cameras in there. Most prostitutes are trafficked.
You know a lot about prostitutes.
No criminal charges were filed. Anyone can start a civil case against anyone so the conduct policy should not be relevant to civil cases. Public opinion is not a legitimate reason for suspension he lost all of his endorsements and had to sit last year so he’s more than paid for this. Now if criminal charges do get filed then an indefinite ban is more than fair and he can rot in jail.
If he were a bad qb he wouldn’t even be in the league anymore. If someone’s unlikeable enough they’ll get tossed to the curb anyways ie Trevor Bauer
“had to sit last year so he’s more than paid for this.”
He sat a year, while getting paid, to force a trade which resulted in him getting the most guaranteed money ever. How in your mind is that part of “more than paid for this?”
He also lost millions in endorsements and attorneys fees not to mention peoples perception of him instead of paying 100k to make it initially go away. This was a complete smear job and he’s paid far more than he could have. A guilty person pays the 100k and there’s never a story.
A sociopath believes they’ve done nothing wrong and also does not pay the 100K.
Right… All Deshaun Watson has been doing is winning. Making millions of dollars. Not actually putting his body on the line during this time. Sitting on the sidelines preserving himself waiting for the next big fat paycheck and a chance to play. Which is what the NFL will give him because the NFL doesn’t really give a damn about anything other than winning.
And you root for the Astros.
And you root for a sexual deviant like Deshaun Watson playing for a team owned by a lying, cheating, fraud like Haslam.
Public opinion is what matters for a large corporation. The bylaws are theirs to interpret as they please as the owners of the company. His actions, proven or not have put a stain on the league that can impact profits. He is an employee. You would be fired. Your boss would be fired if not. That’s the way it works with sex crimes.
And if the corporation fired him for accusations where there was no charges, the employee would sue and win everytime.
Wrong again! Texas is a work it will state. You do not have to have cause to fire anyone
I don’t live in Texas. I guarantee you that they’d file a lawsuit if the company used that reason for firing. I’ve seen many cops in all states get their jobs back if they’re found innocent or no charges being filed. How come you love the cheating Astros? They stole a World Series and should have lost the trophy. Biggest scandal in baseball since the White Sox scandal. Even bigger than the players taking gear
You’re very ignorant. If you spent half the time you do online posting your dumb opinions reading and learning the things you should know before posting opinions maybe just maybe you wouldn’t be such a dumbass.
Watson will play this season bassboy. He did what was described as unwanted touching. Don’t you have some garbage cans to bang on? You’re pathetic rooting for a team of cheaters
You know a lot about being pathetic.
Ok. Geek. Don’t you have a fantasy you have to get ready for?
It should be a 24 game suspension. You know where that number comes from. No games for him year 1, and they take a huge chunk of his year 2 salary out by missing 6 games next year. The team and Watson admitted guilt when they agreed to a 1mil salary for this year, knowing he would be suspended. The Browns are fined 500k and the Texans lose their own 2023 1st for their part in enabling his actions. That’s the only way the NFL saves face. Otherwise they will lose female/liberal support in droves.
Let’s be clear the female/liberal is a small part of their fan base. The true fans of the sport will still watch and support the league no matter their sex or political beliefs because it’s a game and entertainment, it has zero effect to the day to day lives of the people.
Small part of the fan base but they make a lot of noise. Many non-football fans were out protesting Mike Vick. If this comes back with zero discipline it will be the final straw for many not happy with the leagues direction.
Difference is Vick was a criminal case, this is Civil. Big difference
Not to the people choosing sides on right/wrong here, the verdict or lack thereof means little.
I can’t condone these types of predator activities and neither should anyone else. The NFL can’t defer their responsibilities. Otherwise, their credibility is shot.
They will not lose any noticeable fans. Do you think that if Watson is not suspended that fans of the Packers, Rams and Bucs are gonna boycott? If a CEO for McDonald’s were accused of something like this, I’d still be eating quarter pounders
I don’t agree with some of your comments but I believe your dead right here. Sports fans like druggies just want their fix and they really could care less about the character flaws of the person(s) who feed their addiction.
As they really shouldn’t. You may not want your young kids idolizing bad dudes but hopefully the parents have a bigger influence. I don’t get my morality from sports. I root for the name on the front of the jersey and not on the back. As long as the player is in the uniform, which means he is approved to play, then I want him to do well. There really isn’t any professional team that hasn’t had someone accused of or convicted of, or even videos of, some heinous acts. Right now, it’s the Browns and Watson. Tomorrow will be some other team and players. Watson was investigated and it was determined that there’s not enough evidence that a crime took place. Anyone else that works for a private company would expect his/her job back if no charges were filed.
My hero was nature conservationist Steve Irwin and though I try to encourage my kids to find role models like him…it doesn’t always work.
I don’t ever remember having a hero. I was always just a fan of a certain team. I may have had my favorites until they weren’t on the team anymore.
Of course, he’s the “adult” in the huddle. His actions are inexcusable and indefensible. He needs to be banned from the NFL. This kind of conduct should not be rewarded.
What actions? You should have reported those to the authorities.
Big Ben got 6 games for 1 accuser and with no criminal charges either. Should be a year for Watson
Big Ben got 4 games for 2 accusers.
Then that means Watson should get 48 games
Not very good with math are you? Not very good with morals either. You will regret severely your staunch support of the sexual predator
Me? How is my math wrong? I didn’t say anything about a suspension. You back cheaters. They stole the World Series
Indefinite=12 games?
Wasn’t Watson basically already suspended for a year by the Texans? He wasn’t hurt but yet didn’t take the field. So suspend him for a year with time served and put the drama to bed
He got paid. Someone suggested that he give the 10 million dollars that he was paid to a women’s advocate group. I honestly think this is something that everyone involved would agree to. Watson loses a year and a year salary (even more than he would lose this year). The league gets to say it fined a player a record amount. It would be over so no more talk. And the biggest reason is that I would get my team’s best quarterback for the whole year. Win. Win. Win. All around
Capone14, no, all of his drama began when he felt hurt they didn’t give him more say in personnel matters so he said he was done and would refuse to play for them again. He sat out on his own accord, the circus he created with his sexual assaults came later.
No, he got paid. He didn’t play got paid in full So no he was not punished!
Offer him zero games suspended but from now on he can only get massages from Kevin Spacey.
And he has to sign an NDA first.
Watson deserves 2 years suspension. He’s the Trevor Bauerof MLB. Watson gave the NFL a blackeye. He’s a sexual predator. Houston should be punished too. They knew about his situation. Only people who lose are the fans. The NFL needs give him and the Houston Texans the maximum punishment. Both parties are guilty for lying about this situation!
Watson was never accused of rape. He exposed himself and asked for sex. Some obliged multiple times. Or at least he seen women multiple times after the alleged assault. Is he a perv? Yes I believe he is but according to people in the room during the punishment hearing, the NFL didn’t prove force, violence, coercion or threats. Those are the 4 things described in the Code of Conduct. Get ready to be disappointed
Watson is a sexual predator to women of color. He gave the NFL a big blackeye. This will be like O.J.Simpson not guilty from a trial but guilty in the Civil Suits. One of the ladies who filed first is suing the Houston Texans. Watson also stated he was innocence of his wrong doing. This shows me the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans are 2 worst franchises in the NFL. Baker Mayfield is getting the last laugh from this.
You root for the Bengals. You have zero room to judge. I’ll be getting the last laugh when Watson suits up after no more than 8 games
The difference between Robert Kraft and Watson is Watson is a player employed by the nfl. Robert Kraft is an owner. He is a billionaire owner. Does he have some guidelines he has to follow yes but it’s a lot less the nfl players who have a nflpa. And quite honestly if they suspended Kraft for a year what’s it really do ? What hand does he have in negotiations exactly and day to day running of the team. He can leave his son will run things fine if anyone has a question they can still call him.
Actually it’s not if you read the Code of Conduct signed in 2019. It says that it holds owners to a higher standard