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Maybe Saturday, maybe Sunday, I’ll be surprised to hear an article with my thoughts on where Deshaun Watson’s disciplinary process is going from here. Until then, you’ll need to watch the attached video to know my assessment of what happened to the audience and what can happen next.
My views are based largely, if not entirely, on our reports on Thursday, about the information that occurred (and did not occur) at the three-day hearing. The idea that my source has an agenda or whatever, that someone seemed to suggest today, overlooks three important realities: (1) I consider all possible agendas and biases before reporting anything; (2) I strive for accuracy, regardless of whether the source may have a casual interest in the information being reported; and (3) no narrative or agenda means a damn thing, because Judge Sue L. Robinson will eventually determine the facts and then apply the Personal Conduct Policy to them.
I will share this important information to better explain the context and motivations of Thursday’s report. People close to his action are VERY concerned about the possible public reaction to a finding of little or no discipline for Watson. Frankly, it is in everyone’s interest (Watson, the Browns, the league, the team, the union, and Judge Robinson) that the general public be prepared for the very real possibility that Judge Robinson will not impose a suspension. close to that. that the league has tried to secure.
Again, none of this matters. Judge Robinson will make the decision. But as explained in the attached video, the facts will be critical. What did the NFL prove? So how does the Personal Behavior Policy apply to these facts? This is something she alone will evaluate and decide.