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Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was suspended six games on Monday for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
The relatively short length of the ban, handed down by retired federal judge Sue L. Robinson over dozens of allegations of sexual misconduct, sparked outrage — but NFL commissioner Roger Goodell could tack on more games.
“We thank Judge Sue L. Robinson, the independent disciplinary officer, for her review of the voluminous record and attention during a three-day hearing that resulted in her finding multiple violations of the NFL Personal Conduct Policy by Deshaun Watson,” the NFL said in its statement. “We appreciate Judge Robinson’s diligence and professionalism throughout this process.”
Robinson wrote in her 16-page decision that the six-game ban “is the most significant punishment ever imposed on an NFL player for allegations of non-violent sexual conduct” and called Watson’s behavior “egregious.”
But the alleged misconduct fell into a gray area since sexual assault was not defined in the collective bargaining agreement or the personal conduct policy.
“The NFL is attempting to impose a more dramatic shift in its culture without the benefit of fair notice to — and consistency of consequence for — those in the NFL subject to the policy,” Robinson wrote.
After the Cleveland Browns acquired Watson in March via a trade, Watson signed a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract with a nearly $45 million signing bonus.
The extension was set up with a base salary for the 2022 season of about $1 million, meaning he will be out around $345,000 if the six-game ban holds.
In the second season of the contract when Watson’s base salary jumps to $46 million, the same length suspension would have resulted in more than $16 million in lost pay.
Robinson’s decision came about a month after Watson’s three-day hearing concluded.
The NFL sought Watson to be suspended for all of the 2022 season, while the NFL Players Association argued Watson should not be suspended at all.
ESPN was the first outlet to report the length of Watson’s suspension.
Ahead of Robinson’s decision, the NFLPA and Watson issued a statement that appeared to state that it won’t fight Robinson’s decision.
“A former Federal Judge — appointed jointly by the NFLPA and NFL — held a full and fair hearing, has read thousands of pages of investigative documents and reviewed arguments from both sides impartially,” the statement read. “Every player, owner, business partner and stakeholder deserves to know that our process is legitimate and will not be tarnished based on the whims of the League office. This is why, regardless of her decision, Deshaun and the NFLPA will stand by her ruling and we call on the NFL to do the same.”
Watson faced 25 lawsuits in Texas over his actions during massage sessions before one was dropped and settlements were worked out with 23 others. Early Monday morning, ESPN reported the latest three settlements, which leaves just one active lawsuit.
The Houston Texans settled with 30 accusers on July 15.
Two grand juries chose not to indict Watson. Watson has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
Robinson was chosen earlier this year to serve as disciplinary officer by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, a major change in the current collective bargaining agreement ratified in 2020. Under the old disciplinary system, Goodell was the ultimate authority.
Goodell or somebody he designates would, however, have the final say if either side appeals Robinson’s decision.
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