On August 3rd, the NFL decided to appeal the six-game suspension recommended by Judge Sue L. Robinson, the independent hearing officer chosen by the league and NFL Players’ Association (NFLPA) to render a decision on Watson’s violation of the league’s personal conduct policy. Reports indicate that league commissioner Roger Goodell, or a designee of his choosing per the league’s own Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFLPA, will levy the same punishment lobbied for by the league during its disciplinary hearing against Watson: an indefinite suspension without pay plus fines. The NFLPA is allowed by that same agreement to file a lawsuit in Federal court to contest that decision. They could also file a temporary restraining order, allowing for Watson to play football as the proceedings go forward.
“We know Deshaun [Watson] is remorseful that this situation has caused much heartache to many…” Those are the words of Jimmy and Dee Haslem, the owners of the Cleveland Browns, following the release of the disciplinary ruling by Judge Robinson. The Browns have stood behind Watson by giving him a contract worth five-years and $230 million plus a large signing bonus with a first-year designated to soften the blow of loss wages due to his suspension.
The Haslems went on to say that Deshaun “will continue the work needed to show who he is on and off the field, and we will continue to support him.”
Throughout this entire ordeal, Watson maintains his innocence. In the two instances that he’s spoken publicly about the civil lawsuits and league investigation, he continues to assert that he hasn’t done anything wrong and that no harm and disrespect were levied onto the women suing him for sexual assault and emotional distress. This is in clear contrast to the Haslems’ stated belief that he’s remorseful and willing to “do the work” necessary to rehabilitate his image.
ciara roslyn-james 