Deshaun Watson disciplinary hearing to last 'multiple days'

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson\ Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

NFL disciplinary hearing for Browns' Deshaun Watson expected to last 'multiple days'

By Zac Wassink | Last updated Jun 28, 2022 7:57 PM ET

It was said back on June 17 that the NFL will "probably" seek to suspend Cleveland Browns star quarterback Deshaun Watson for at least one season regarding allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions that still hover over his playing status.

Watson's NFL disciplinary hearing began on Tuesday, but that doesn't necessarily mean that former United States District Judge Sue L. Robinson, the disciplinary officer jointly appointed by the league and NFL Players Association, is close to making a ruling.

Per Mark Maske of the Washington Post, Watson's hearing is expected to last for "multiple days." Maske also reports that the NFL is arguing for an indefinite suspension that will cover a minimum of an entire campaign, while the union believes the 26-year-old shouldn't be banned from playing for even a single game:

The Deshaun Watson disciplinary hearing that began today is expected to last for multiple days. It's not known yet when Sue L. Robinson, the NFL/NFLPA disciplinary officer, will issue a ruling.
— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) June 28, 2022

The NFLPA has maintained throughout its deliberations with the NFL that Deshaun Watson should not be suspended, source says. The league is arguing to Sue Robinson for an indefinite suspension of at least one full season, according to a source.
— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) June 28, 2022

It is believed that the Deshaun Watson disciplinary hearing is taking place in Delaware, where disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson is based. The hearing is expected to continue Wednesday.
— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) June 28, 2022

Watson has repeatedly maintained his innocence and has had two grand juries decline to indict him but nevertheless could be punished for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. As Mike Florio explained for Pro Football Talk, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell could increase Watson's punishment on appeal if Judge Robinson rules against the signal-caller in any way.

Many have speculated an announcement about Watson's future could be made as a Friday afternoon "news dump" ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend that, for many, extends through at least Monday night. Robinson's ruling could also come at some point next month.

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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