Judge Sue L Robinson expected to issue ruling on Deshaun Watson suspension on Monday

One of the most anticipated decisions of the 2022 football season will be handed down on Monday morning. According to Josina Anderson, relevant parties have already been notified that Judge Sue L. Robinson is finally expected to inform them of the decision in the Deshaun Watson case on Monday. Per Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network, that ruling is expected to be handed down by roughly 9:00 a.m. EST.

Watson has been in the middle of a long and lengthy court battle over multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. He was traded to the Cleveland Browns earlier this offseason after a grand jury ruled the former Clemson star wouldn’t face any criminal charges in several lawsuits that were filed against him.

Watson’s contract with the Browns has special stipulations

After the deal went through, Watson received a lucrative contract extension worth a fully guaranteed $230 million over five years. That’s the highest total guaranteed money for a quarterback in NFL history, blowing past the previous mark of $150.6 million set by Aaron Rodgers.

But the first year of that contract is worth a base salary of $1.035 million. That gives the Browns some leeway in case Watson faces a suspension, and Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry defended the decision during the press conference announcing the trade.

More on the ruling by Judge Sue L. Robinson

The decision by Judge Sue L. Robinson is highly anticipated by the Cleveland Browns and the football world in general. Watson is one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks on planet Earth when healthy and much of the country will be anxious to see just how many games he’ll get to suit up for the Cleveland Browns this fall. The decision has massive, massive implications for the 2022 NFL season.

Just a few days ago, it was revealed that if Watson is suspended, backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett will take over for the Browns in his place.

A three-time Pro Bowler, Watson did not play at all during the 2021 season as criminal investigations loomed over his head. In late June, it was reported by the Wall Street Journal that the NFL was seeking an indefinite suspension lasting at least one year. Recently on July 19th, ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio reported that the timeline of Watson’s suspension could be anywhere from two to eight games.

Watson led the NFL in passing yards the last full season he played with 4,823 in 2020. He finished third in completion percentage (70.2%) and seventh in touchdowns (33) with just seven interceptions. Watson is also one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the league. He finished fifth in rushing yards (444) for quarterbacks with three touchdowns in 2020 as well.

On3’s Sam Gillenwater, Nick Schultz, Chandler Vessels, and Nikki Chavanelle also contributed to this article.