NFL Releases Statement on Deshaun Watson Ruling

The NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell are determining if they want to alter Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson's six-game suspension.

© PHIL MASTURZO / USA TODAY NETWORK

Shortly after former federal judge Sue L. Robinson announced a six-game suspension for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for violating the league's personal conduct policy, the NFL released an official statement on the matter: 

"We thank Judge Sue L. Robinson, the independent disciplinary officer, for her review of the voluminous record and attention during a three-day hearing that resulted in her finding multiple violations of the NFL personal-conduct policy by Deshaun Watson. We appreciate Judge Robinson's diligence and professionalism throughout this process.

Pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the NFL or the NFLPA on behalf of Watson may appeal the decision within three days. In light of her findings, the league is reviewing Judge Robinson's imposition of a six-game suspension and will make a determination on next steps."

Robinson and a team of investigators were brought in by the NFL to conduct a review of Watson's case, which included 24 civil lawsuits for sexual misconduct. Watson, who played at Clemson, has settled all but one while his former employer, the Houston Texans, settled 30 cases last month. 

The Browns currently hold odds of +2800 to win the Super Bowl, according to Fanduel.

Robinson released a 16-page letter concerning her findings from the investigation.

Judge Sue Robinson has released her report on the Deshaun Watson findings that led to the 6-game suspension with this conclusion: pic.twitter.com/sxaU8AxMm8

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 1, 2022

The matter, however, isn't fully settled. While Watson will likely miss at least the first six games of Cleveland's season, it's up to commissioner Roger Goodell, or an appointee, to appeal Robinson's decision and determine if additional punishment is needed, according to the collective bargaining agreement. 

Meanwhile, the NFL Players Association released a statement Sunday saying that it supported Robinson's ruling. 

Want to join in on the discussion? 100% FREE! Interact with fellow Tiger fans and hear directly from publisher Zach Lentz, deputy editor Brad Senkiw, recruiting analyst Jason Priester and staff writer Will Vandervort on any subject. Click here to become a member of the ALL CLEMSON message board community today!