Deshaun Watson suspension news: With ruling expected Monday, NFLPA announces it won’t appeal decision and calls on NFL to do the same

With Judge Sue L. Robinson expected to deliver a verdict in the Deshaun Watson case on Monday, the NFLPA released a statement indicating that he would stick to his decision, regardless of the outcome.

More than 20 civil lawsuits have been filed against Watson accusing the Browns quarterback of inappropriate conduct and sexual assault. While most lawsuits have been settled out of court, four remain.

Throughout the process, the NFLPA has supported Watson. Sunday’s statement says the players’ union will respect the court’s findings and calls on the NFL to do the same.

Here is the statement in full:

Prior to Judge Robinson’s ruling, we wanted to reiterate the facts of this proceeding,” the NFLPA said Sunday night. “First, we have cooperated fully with every NFL investigation and provided the NFL with the most comprehensive set of information for any personal conduct policy investigation. A former federal judge – jointly appointed by the NFLPA and the NFL – held a full and fair hearing, read thousands of pages of investigative materials, and considered both parties’ arguments impartially. Every player, owner, business partner, and stakeholder deserves to know that our process is legitimate and will not be tarnished by the whims of the league office. Which is why, whatever his decision, Deshaun and the NFLPA will stand by his decision and we call on the NFL to do the same.

AFTER: Who is Sue L. Robinson?

Reporting is vital for several reasons. For starters, it’s a clear show of support for the league’s new collective bargaining agreement. Under New CBA rules, the officer — in this case, Robinson — is jointly appointed by the NFLPA and the NFL.

Furthermore, the statement at least seems to suggest that Robinson’s decision will not come with a one-year suspension. Late last week, reports surfaced that the NFL, despite publicly calling on Watson to be suspended for a year, would prefer Robinson to settle Watson out 6-8 games, in order to avoid the appeal process.

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More: I’ve also been told that the NFL, despite its insistence on indefinite suspension, wants to avoid the appeals process – source said ‘a terrible situation for everyone involved’ – so the league is more likely to respect Sue Robinson’s decision IF she came back with 6-8 games.

— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) June 28, 2022

Announcing their intention to support Robinson’s decision, it appears the NFLPA is confident that Watson’s suspension will be in the 6-8 game range.

MORE: Deshaun Watson’s contract, explained

It’s important to note, however, that Robinson did not inform either party of his decision, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.

FWIW, the arbitrator, Sue L. Robinson, did not inform either party of her decision on Watson. The NFLPA/Watson camp’s decision to say they will stand by its decision is based on the fact that the case has now been before two grand juries and a judge.

They feel like enough is enough.

—Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 1, 2022

While the players’ union has called on the NFL to respect Robinson’s decision, it’s also crucial to note that the league has the collectively negotiated right to appeal the suspension, assuming Robinson imposes some form of discipline. to Watson.