USATSI
An investigation by former U.S. District Judge Sue L. Robinson resulted in a recommended six-game suspension for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has been accused by 24 women of sexual assault and misconduct. The NFL is appealing and trying to give Watson a tougher sentence. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell explained the league’s stance on a lengthy suspension, saying Watson’s actions were “egregious” and “predatory behavior.”
Goodell says the behavior warrants a season-long suspension for the 26-year-old.
“We’ve seen the evidence. [Disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson] was very clear about the evidence, should we enforce the evidence. That there were multiple violations here, and they were egregious, and it was predatory behavior,” he said Tuesday via NFL.com after a special league meeting in Minneapolis on a Responsible Path.”
The commissioner explained that both sides have the right to challenge the suspension under the CBA. “So we decided it was the right thing to do,” Goodell said.
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In recommending the six-game objection, Robinson wrote that Watson “committed sexual assault; conduct that poses a real threat to the safety and well-being of another person; and conduct that undermines or threatens the integrity of the NFL.”
Explaining the reason for maintaining the six-game ban, she said she was “bound by standards of fairness and consistent treatment of players in similar situations”.
In the report, she wrote that the NFL is seeking a suspension for the entire regular season and postseason.
The appeal hearing will be chaired by New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey. Goodell could have heard the appeal himself, but the League chose Harvey instead.
When a decision will be made, Goodell said he has no timetable from Harvey.