Sue L. Robinson, the joint disciplinary officer appointed by the NFL and the players’ union, is expected to rule Monday on whether Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson violated the league’s personal conduct policy after of allegations of sexual misconduct, sources confirmed to ESPN.
If Robinson, a former U.S. district judge, imposes any sentence, either side will have three days to file a written appeal. In such event, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell or his designee “shall issue a written decision that shall constitute a full, final and complete resolution of the dispute,” according to the terms of Article 46 of the collective bargaining agreement.
The NFLPA already made it clear it will not appeal in a statement Sunday night.
“Prior to Judge Robinson’s decision, we wanted to reiterate the facts of this proceeding,” the union said in a statement. “First, we have fully cooperated with all NFL investigations and provided the NFL with the most comprehensive set of information for any investigation into the personal conduct policy. A former federal judge, jointly appointed by the NFLPA and the NFL, held a full and fair hearing, read thousands of pages of investigative documents, and impartially reviewed the arguments of both sides. All players, owners, business partners and stakeholders deserve to know that our process is legitimate and will not be muddied by the whims of the League front office. That’s why, regardless of their decision, Deshaun and the NFLPA will stand by their decision and we ask the NFL to do the same.”
Robinson heard arguments from the league, the union and Watson’s attorney during a three-day hearing held in his home state of Delaware in late June. The parties discussed a potential settlement throughout the hearing, but were unable to agree to a settlement.
The league and Watson’s team engaged in new deal talks in recent days, sources told ESPN’s Dan Graziano, but neither side ever felt they were close to a deal. The most Watson’s team indicated it was willing to offer was a suspension in the range of six to eight games, according to sources. The best the league indicated it was willing to offer was a 12-game suspension and a hefty fine, on the order of $8 million, the sources said.
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Watson has been accused of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage sessions in civil lawsuits filed by 25 women. The encounters cited in the lawsuits took place between March 2020 and March 2021, while Watson was a member of the Houston Texans. One of the 25 lawsuits was dropped after a judge ruled in April 2021 that the plaintiffs had to amend their pleadings to reveal their names. In June, Watson settled 20 of the 24 lawsuits it faced; the other four remain active and are on track to go to trial next year.
Last month, the Texans reached settlements with 30 women who filed claims or were poised to file claims against the organization over its alleged role in the allegations against Watson.
Although two grand juries in Texas declined to bring criminal charges against Watson earlier this year, the NFL has been investigating whether he violated its personal conduct policy since last year. The NFL interviewed Watson over several days earlier this summer. League investigators also spoke with several of the women.
Watson has continuously denied all wrongdoing and has said he does not regret any of his actions during the massage sessions. Watson also said he cooperated with the NFL’s investigation and “answered truthfully every question” the league’s investigators asked him.
The Browns traded for Watson in March, sending three first-round picks to the Texans. Cleveland gave Watson a new five-year contract worth $230 million fully guaranteed, the richest deal in NFL history for any player.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said last week that Jacoby Brissett would become Cleveland’s starter if Watson were suspended. The Browns had Sunday off from training camp, but plan to resume practice on Monday.
CBS Sports first reported Robinson’s decision is expected Monday.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and The Associated Press contributed to this report.