NFL reportedly pursuing indefinite ban in Deshaun Watson appeal

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was originally suspended six games. PHIL MASTURZO / USA TODAY NETWORK

NFL reportedly pursuing indefinite suspension in appeal of Deshaun Watson ban

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Jason Burgos | Last updated 8/3/22

It seems the NFL is unsatisfied with Judge Sue L. Robinson’s ruling on the Deshaun Watson suspension and has put the wheels in motion to appeal and extend the star quarterback's ban.

On Wednesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jake Trotter reported that the league had officially informed the NFL Players Association that it would appeal the decision by the former U.S. district judge. In Robinson’s Aug. 1 ruling, Watson was banned for six games in the upcoming NFL season for violating the league’s personal-conduct policy. The violation came in the form of sexual misconduct allegations from 30 women during Watson’s final years playing for the Houston Texans.

The NFL will reportedly aim for an indefinite suspension after originally seeking a season-long ban during the July hearings.

“The league said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will determine who will hear the appeal. Under the CBA, Goodell has the option to consider the appeal himself or he can appoint a designee to do so.”

NFLPA could sue NFL over Deshaun Watson suspension appeal

In the report, sources informed the outlet that “the NFLPA was preparing to sue the NFL in federal court if it appealed Robinson’s decision.” The door is now open to what could turn into an ugly fight between the players association and the league.

In the 16-page summary of Robinson’s decision, the judge wrote that the league did prove Watson engaged in acts that were “a genuine danger to the safety and well-being of another person” and that it undermined and put the integrity of the NFL at risk. However, based on precedent she determined that the QB’s offenses were not deserving of harsher punishment than previous NFL judgments involving violent acts and sexual misconduct.

Robinson concluded that the Browns quarterback’s conduct did “not fall into the category of violent conduct that would require the minimum six-game suspension” that the NFL had established in the past as “by far the most commonly imposed discipline for domestic or gendered violence and sexual acts.”

An NFL spokesman revealed on Wednesday that there is no timeline on when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell or his designee will make a future ruling. Whenever that hammer does fall, it will be final and binding to all parties.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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