Deshaun Watson’s hearing before the disciplinary officer jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, Sue L. Robinson, has ended in three days, a source told ESPN’s Dan Graziano on Thursday. .
Watson’s hearing began Tuesday morning and ended Thursday evening.
Watson has been charged in civil lawsuits by 25 women for actions ranging from sexual assault to inappropriate behavior during massage sessions. The NFL has been pushing for a suspension of at least a year, according to Graziano, who reported that both sides participated in multiple attempts to reach an agreement while the hearing was still taking place, but they still can’t put agree.
According to Graziano, Robinson requested post-hearing writs, which will be delivered the week of July 11th.
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There is no set schedule for Robinson’s decision. A source told Graziano that Robinson is expected to “take his time.”
If the union or league appeals the decision, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, or his designee, “will issue a written decision that will constitute a full, final, and complete resolution of the dispute,” according to the terms of the Article 46 of the collective agreement.
One of the 25 lawsuits was withdrawn after the judge ruled that the petition should be amended with the plaintiff’s name. Watson and 20 of the other plaintiffs agreed to settle their claims last week.
On Monday, one of four active civil lawsuits to appoint Houston Texans as defendants was amended. That day, attorney Tony Buzbee, who at one time represented the 25 women, said in a statement that “the overwhelming evidence gathered indicating that the Houston Texans allowed Watson’s behavior is incredibly damning.”
Two grand jurors in Texas refused to file criminal charges against Watson earlier this year. Watson has maintained his innocence.
The Texans switched Watson to the Browns in March after the first grand jury announced they would not charge him.