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Ruling on Watson reportedly not expected for 'a few weeks'

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson awaits a decision from the NFL. Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Ruling on Browns' Deshaun Watson reportedly not expected for 'a few weeks'

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/11/22

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt admitted in late June that it was "definitely stressful" to have to wait to learn of the status of quarterback Deshaun Watson, who had his hearing in front of NFL disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson regarding allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions finish ahead of the July 4 holiday.

It appears the waiting will continue to be the hardest part for Hunt and company.

As Mike Florio explained for Pro Football Talk, the NFL and NFL Players Association are scheduled to submit written post-hearing briefs to Robinson on Monday. Per league insider Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, Robinson's ruling isn't expected to come for at least a few weeks.

Post-hearing briefs are due "soon" this week in the Deshaun Watson proceeding. This morning, a league source said this on the timeline for a result.
"We're still looking at a few weeks before we get a decision. It may or may not be before camp. Sue Robinson will take her time."
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 11, 2022

I’m told there are only 4 women currently "at issue" in the Deshaun Watson proceeding. The NFL concluded not to pursue 8 of 12 women interviewed. Re: a "5th" woman, the league tried to pursue, but never interviewed her. The league’s scope is currently* limited to 4, per source.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 11, 2022

League source on the threshold of proof expected to be applied by Sue Robinson in review of Deshaun Watson’s case:

“The NFL has the burden of proof and it is by the preponderance of evidence and there is no dispute about that…There is precedent in case law that establishes it.”
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 11, 2022

"Preponderance of the evidence is 1 type of evidentiary standard used in a burden of proof analysis. Under (this) standard burden of proof is met when the party with the burden convinces the fact finder that there is a greater than 50% chance that the claim is true." -Cornell Law
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 11, 2022

It was reported last week that there were "no" settlement talks ongoing between Watson's camp and the league regarding a punishment. The NFL is requesting that Watson receive an indefinite suspension, while the NFLPA has pushed against him accepting any ban. Two grand juries declined to indict Watson, and the 26-year-old's legal team has reached settlements with 20 of 24 plaintiffs suing him.

In his Monday update, Florio wrote that he'll "be watching the week of July 25, with the possibility of a decision coming on Friday, July 22" regarding Watson's availability for the 2022 season. Backup Jacoby Brissett will start at quarterback for the Browns if Watson is made ineligible to play.

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