Deshaun Watson — the Cleveland Browns quarterback accused by 24 women of sexual misconduct — was handed a six-game suspension by retired judge Sue L. Robinson for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
But that isn’t necessarily the end of the disciplinary action he faces (something especially noteworthy given how NFL fans rightfully couldn’t believe that he only received a small suspension in the first place).
What’s next for Watson? It’s now up to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to decide if further action is needed, something that may in all likelihood trigger a drawn-out legal battle down the road.
Let’s break down the next steps:
The NFL Players Association can appeal the decision, but announced it would not
The NFLPA tweeted this Sunday amid reports that Robinson would soon hand down a decision:
Our joint statement with Deshaun Watson on the impending arbitration decision: pic.twitter.com/9ObLnHiX6J
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) July 31, 2022
Note: They call on the NFL to do the same.
The NFL has three days to appeal
That means Goodell and the league can push for a longer suspension:
The NFLPA has said they will not appeal. No word from the NFL. https://t.co/GP0d2jFnOM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 1, 2022
Per sources, Deshaun Watson and the NFL did engage in further settlement talks in recent days, but neither side felt they got close. The best Watson’s side indicated it would accept was 6-8 games. Best league indicated it was willing to do was 12 games + heavy fine $8 mil range).
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) August 1, 2022
As Pro Football Talk reported, “The relevant provision of the Collective Bargaining Agreement allows the parties to extend the deadline by mutual agreement of the league and the union.” So it could take longer.
What could happen if there's an appeal?
If the NFL wants a longer suspension, here’s how that will play out, via the Beacon Journal:
The personal conduct policy stipulates appeals handled by Goodell or his designee will be processed on an expedited basis, limited to consideration of the terms of discipline imposed by Robinson and based upon a review of the existing record without reference to evidence or testimony not previously considered.
Goodell or his designee may overturn, reduce, modify or increase the discipline, and the decision will be final, according to the policy.
Is there anything that can happen after that decision?
Yes. It’s could turn into a legal battle. Here’s a possibility:
Another note: If Watson ends up incurring the full-year suspension the #NFL is seeking – either from the arbitrator or a league appeal of Robinson’s decision – I’m told his camp and the @NFLPA have already made the decision to file a lawsuit against the league in federal court. https://t.co/KdwXJjhBz3
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) July 18, 2022
Will Watson lose any money because of the suspension?
Yes, but it’s not as much as you’d think:
Given the structure of his contract and a base salary of $1M for 2022, the six-game suspension will cost Deshaun Watson $333,333 in salary.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 1, 2022