NFL To Appeal Deshaun Watson Suspension

On Monday, Judge Sue L. Robinson handed down a six-game suspension to Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, however, the league is apparently dissatisfied with the punishment and will appeal the ruling.

According to reports, the league is seeking an indefinite suspension, one that would last at least a year and would come with a heavy fine. Currently, under the six-game suspension set to begin at the start of the 2022 season, Watson would lose only $345,000 based on the structure of his new contract with the Browns.

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As per the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the appeal would be heard by Commissioner Roger Gooddell or a third party appointed by him. Goodell’s decision in this situation would be final barring a lawsuit by Watson and the NFLPA which, win or lose, would likely cost him quite a bit more money as the suspension would ultimately be served next season and the fine would be adjusted to represent his 2023 salary.

Watson has continued to deny any wrongdoing, however, despite the relatively light punishment, Judge Robinson did conclude that Watson engaged in conduct that posed a “genuine danger to the safety and well-being of another person, ad conduct that undermine or puts at risk the integrity of the NFL”.

Goodell, or whoever is appointed to hear the appeal, will likely focus on statements such as those by Judge Robinson. That alone would likely justify the league issuing a full-season suspension in response.