The following article was originally published on BigTimeSportsOhio.com.
Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reported on Thursday that the NFL would likely not abide by a 6- to 8-game suspension for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, should such punishment be handed down by disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson.
Rob Maaddi of The Associated Press reported on Tuesday that the NFL, “despite insisting on indefinite suspension, wants to avoid the appeals process – source said “a terrible situation for everyone involved” – so league is more likely to abide by Sue Robinson’s ruling IF she came back with 6-8 games.”
Robinson, who was jointly appointed as an arbiter by the NFL and its Players Association (NFLPA), will issue the initial ruling on a potential punishment for Watson if it’s determined he violated the league’s personal conduct policy. The league has the ability to modify any punishment that she issues via an appeal, although no appeal can be made if no punishment is issued.
Multiple reports have stated the NFL is pushing for an indefinite suspension lasting no less than one season for Watson, whose disciplinary hearing comes as the result of several women having accused the 3-time Pro Bowler of sexual misconduct, including harassment and assault, during his tenure with the Houston Texans. Last week, Watson settled 20 of the 24 civil suits that had been filed against him.