NFL’s disciplinary officer Sue Robinson, has informed the league and the NFL Players Association(NFLPA) that she’s ready to issue a ruling on Deshaun Watson’s disciplinary hearing that took place over the last months.
Watson was investigated by the NFL to see if he’d violated the league’s personal conduct policy.
Robinson was appointed jointly by the NFL and the NFLPA, and after she issues her decision, either side will have the opportunity to appeal her punishment in writing.
If any side decides to appeal, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will have the final say in the matter, and issue a final disposition of the dispute.
Josina Anderson from CBS Sports was the first to report the news.
The NFLPA has already announced they won’t appeal
In a statement released Sunday night, the NFLPA made clear they have no intention of appealing the ruling, no matter the outcome, while taking this opportunity to reiterate the facts of the proceeding.
“First, we have fully cooperated with every NFL inquiry and provided the NFL with the most comprehensive set of information for any personal conduct policy investigation. 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. 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.”
How did Sue Robinson investigate Deshaun Watson’s actions?
Former Federal Judge Sue Robinson held a three-day hearing on Delaware in June, during which she heard the arguments from the NFL, the NFLPA and Deshaun Watson’s legal team.
All parties even discussed a settlement, but eventually couldn’t agree to a deal.
According to several reports, Watson was willing to accept a six to eight game suspension, with the league wanting a 12-game suspension and a fine in the $8 million range.
The NFLPA’s decision to accept the ruling, has some people on the internet speculating about what the outcome will be.
