The status of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is currently in limbo after the NFL appeals the six-game suspension he was given earlier this month. The league is seeking increased punishment for the quarterback following 24 sexual misconduct lawsuits, and it looks like Watson would be willing to accept a greater punishment, as long as it’s not a full season.
According to a report from the Associated Press, Watson would be willing to accept an eight-game suspension and a fine of $5 million in a settlement, if the NFL agreed to that punishment.
However, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said earlier this week that the NFL is seeking a suspension of at least a year for Watson. Goodell said that the report from NFL disciplinary officer Sue. L Robinson revealed “egregious” and “predatory” behavior.
“We’ve seen the evidence, she was very clear about the evidence, she reinforced the evidence,” Goodell said according to ESPN. “There were multiple violations that were egregious and it was predatory behavior.”
Currently, the NFL’s appeal of the six-game suspension is being heard by former New Jersey attorney general Peter C. Harvey, who Goodell. If the NFL and Watson do not come to a settlement agreement, Harvey’s decision will be binding to both parties.
Goodell said on Tuesday that he could not provide a timeline for Harvey’s ruling.
