In comments made on Wednesday, Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt admitted that "it’s definitely stressful" for coaches and others associated with the team to not yet know the status of quarterback Deshaun Watson for the 2022 NFL season.
All involved are one step closer to having an answer.
Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network and other insiders, Watson's hearing in front of league disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson regarding allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions has ended after three days:
The disciplinary hearing for #Browns QB Deshaun Watson has ended for the day, which means it has wrapped up after three days. The wait for Judge Sue Robinson’s ruling begins.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 30, 2022
Pro Football Talk offered more information:
Deshaun Watson hearing has ended. Some information, from a source with knowledge of the proceedings: (1) the NFL interviewed 12 alleged victims, and the hearing focused on five of the woman making allegations against Watson. . . .
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) June 30, 2022
(2) the case presented by the NFL included no evidence of violence, threat, force, or coercion by Deshaun Watson. . . .
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) June 30, 2022
(3) the NFL admitted that the punishment it seeks (indefinite suspension of at least one year) is unprecedented. . . .
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) June 30, 2022
PFT's Mike Florio also wrote:
"Fourth, as to the argument that any punishment imposed on Watson must be proportional to punishment imposed on owners who may have violated the personal conduct policy, the NFL admitted that its director of security investigated the allegations of solicitation made against (New England) Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and that no punishment was imposed."
Mark Maske of The Washington Post tweeted:
Deshaun Watson's disciplinary hearing has concluded after three days. The next step is for both sides to submit briefs to NFL/NFLPA disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson before she makes a ruling.
— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) June 30, 2022
ESPN's Dan Graziano reports those briefs won't come until well after the July 4 holiday:
Post-hearing briefs are due the week of July 11, per source. So Watson decision likely weeks away still.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) June 30, 2022
The NFL is requesting that Watson receive an indefinite suspension that will make him ineligible for all of the 2022 season before he can apply for reinstatement. Meanwhile, the NFL Players Association believes the 26-year-old deserves no ban at all.
Watson has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, and two grand juries previously declined to indict him. Earlier this month, his legal team reached settlements with 20 of 24 plaintiffs suing him.
There's no official timeline for a ruling or for a possible appeals process, but it's been reported the Browns expect a resolution before veterans report to training camp on July 26. Backup Jacoby Brissett is on track to start for Cleveland if Watson isn't available this fall.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!