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Report: Goodell won't personally handle Watson appeal

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has removed himself officially from the Deshaun Watson punishment appeal process. Gary Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Commissioner Roger Goodell won't personally handle Deshaun Watson appeal

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 8/4/22

In a decision that drew much scrutiny, it was ruled earlier this week that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been suspended for the first six games of the 2022 NFL season. It was reported Wednesday that the NFL had previously offered a 12-game suspension and near-$10 million fine for Watson — which was refused — before the six-game ruling came out.

Additionally on Wednesday, it was reported that the NFL will appeal the six-game suspension. Commissioner Roger Goodell apparently won't be overseeing the appeal, however.

Per source, Roger Goodell will not personally handle the Deshaun Watson appeal. He will designate someone not with the league office to handle it.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 4, 2022

ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio has a theory regarding who could be handling the process instead of Goodell.

"A decent guess would be Mary Jo White, given that she has recently handled various 'independent investigations' for the NFL, and in light of the fact that she does a very good job of giving her client that which it wants," Florio wrote. "A separate source with knowledge of the process suggested that the designee for the appeal possibly will be Condolleezza Rice, who is slated to officially become a part owner of the Broncos next week. Again, she wouldn’t be truly independent; she’s about to become an equity holder in one of the league’s teams. Her reputation, however, would make it easier for the league to sell to media and fans the possibility that she will be able to set aside other interests and make the right decision."

CBS Sports NFL insider Josina Anderson had further information regarding the appeal, and what Watson's status is moving forward.

My understanding is the Union & Deshaun Watson's counselors haven't yet made an official determination to pursue a federal lawsuit--as such a lawsuit would set aside an improper decision by the appeal officer. Obviously u can't assert an improper decision until a final judgement.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 4, 2022

Official notice has not yet been received on who will preside over Deshaun Watson's appeal, as of this early morning, per league source.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 4, 2022

Some are asking when Deshaun Watson would start to play & whether a potential temporary restraining order could be sought to get him to play WK1. My understanding is the NFLPA's statement still stands, at this time, to abide by Robinson's ruling--thereby not pursuing Wk1 via TRO.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 4, 2022

The quarterback's suspension is for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy following over 20 allegations of sexual misconduct, including allegations of assault, stemming from visits with dozens of massage therapists. As it stands, his season debut would be Week 7 on the road against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 23.

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