NFL seeking indefinite suspension of Deshaun Watson lasting at least one year
The timetable for a potential suspension of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson became more clear Saturday evening. According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, the NFL is seeking an indefinite suspension lasting at least one year.
The news comes shortly after it was announced that Watson is scheduled for an NFL disciplinary hearing on Tuesday. The quarterback will have his chance to fight the potential suspension there along with help of the NFL Players Association, which has a duty under federal law to defend Watson and all members of the union.
Watson is currently under NFL investigation after accusations of sexual assault came against him from 24 different women. The quarterback was not criminally charged in any of the cases and reached a settlement in 20 of the 24 civil cases against him earlier this week.
By pushing for an indefinite suspension, the league would be protected against the possibility that more women will sue Watson between now and the middle of March 2023, when all relevant two-year statutes of limitations will expire.
Judge Sue L. Robinson is the NFL’s appointed disciplinary officer for the case and tasked with making the final decision on Watson’s potential suspension. Once a decision on the suspension is made, both the NFL and Deshaun Watson will have the option to appeal the ruling and commissioner Roger Goodell can either rule on the appeal or call on in an independent ruler on it.
Robinson, a former a member of Delaware’s district court for more than 25 years, now looms as one the most influential people of the upcoming 2022 NFL season. She primarily has worked on cases involving patent disputes — including the billion dollar stent litigation — but also numerous trademark infringement and antitrust disputes. During her tenure, she served as the first woman Chief Judge for the District of Delaware, as well as being selected to serve on the Judicial Conference of the United States.
The NFL is likely to base its proposed discipline on only a fraction of those women’s testimony, one source told ESPN, as the league was unable to speak with a portion of the women who interacted with Deshaun Watson.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Watson did not play at all during the 2021 season as criminal investigations against him loomed. After he was cleared of charges, he was traded to Cleveland this offseason and received a five-year contract worth $230 million. With all but four of the cases against him now reaching a resolution, the NFL investigation is one of the biggest hurdles remaining in the way of his return.