(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been handed a six-game suspension by former judge Sue L. Robinson, who was serving as arbitrator in a case surrounding conduct that Watson allegedly exhibited with several masseuses. Robinson found some evidence of wrongdoing. Specifically, she said that Watson’s “pattern of behavior was egregious” but that it was “nonviolent sexual conduct,” which led to her decision that a six-game suspension, as opposed to a longer suspension and/or a fine, is appropriate under the circumstances.
There is also a non-monetary punishment in Robinson’s order, which states that Watson must receive all his future massage therapy from club therapists. The decision also purportedly states that Watson must have no adverse involvement with law enforcement.
If the suspension stands as is, then Watson will only lose out on $333,000 in salary (one-third of the $1 million salary guaranteed to him for the 2022 season). The remainder of his $230 million contract is guaranteed, and he has already started to receive part ($15 million) of his $45 million signing bonus.
This may not be the last we hear about the Watson proceeding. While Watson and the National Football League Players Association have stated that they will not appeal Robinson’s decision, the NFL has three days to make a determination as to whether it will seek such an appeal. If Robinson’s opinion is appealed, then the case will go to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who is appointed appellate officer based on the NFL/NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement, which was voluntarily negotiated and accepted by all member clubs and active players. It may seem unfair that Goodell is placed in such a position of power, particularly due to his inherent bias, and if Goodell chooses to enhance Watson’s penalty then it may cause players to pay more attention to this language during the next round of collective bargaining negotiations.
Should the NFL appeal Robinson’s decision, then Watson’s response to the appeal will be due by August 8.
Darren Heitner is the founder of Heitner Legal. He is the author of How to Play the Game: What Every Sports Attorney Needs to Know, published by the American Bar Association, and is an adjunct professor at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. You can reach him by email at heitner@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter at @DarrenHeitner.
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Deshaun Watson Delivered 6-Game Suspension For 'Egregious' Behavior - Above the Law
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