Earlier this week, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was issued a six-game suspension by former federal judge Sue L. Robinson for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, but it seems the NFL isn’t pleased with that punishment and has decided to appeal the decision.
The NFL‘s appeal means it will seek a more severe punishment for Watson in response to the 24 sexual misconduct lawsuits against the new Browns quarterback. It’s worth noting that the punishment is the only thing that may be appealed as the factual findings of the investigation are binding and may not be appealed.
“The NFL notified the NFLPA that it will appeal Judge Robinson’s disciplinary decision and filed its brief this afternoon,” the NFL said in a memo on Wednesday, according to NFL.com. “Commissioner Roger Goodell will determine who will hear the appeal.”
Under the latest collective bargaining agreement, Goodell has the option to consider the appeal himself or he can appoint somebody else to hear the appeal.
The NFL Players Association also had to option to appeal the punishment, but it issued a statement Sunday night ahead of the decision that it would “stand by” Judge Robinson’s decision and would not appeal regardless of the result, calling on the league to agree to the same.
Ultimately, the NFL did elect to appeal and is seeking more punishment, and the NFL world had plenty of thoughts.
The league's appeal now puts the final decision in the hands of commissioner Roger Goodell (or whomever he appoints to make the final decision).
The NFL recommended an indefinite suspension of at least a year back in June. https://t.co/m1tKoTJuWt
— Sarah Kezele 🌵 (@SarahKezele) August 3, 2022
Goodell is having himself a week. 🍿 https://t.co/1vP0kOIF3L
— Karisa Maxwell McKee (@KarisaMaxwell) August 3, 2022
I think we sufficiently backlashed, you guys https://t.co/Lp5yV3DFbH
— Ty Schalter (@tyschalter) August 3, 2022
Whoa, this story is not done yet https://t.co/vriWrkpYIK
— Pete Gilbert (@WBALPete) August 3, 2022
Whatever his suspension ends up being, it should be pushed to year two of his contract so he ends up losing out on $50 million rather than a few 10 thousand. https://t.co/NNz12iseWK
— Michael Welch (@MichaelWelchAct) August 3, 2022
When the next ruling is made, it will be final and binding to all parties.
[NFL.com]
