The Cleveland Browns, QB Deshaun Watson, the team’s fans and media members covering the team are hoping for a resolution of the disciplinary hearing for the quarterback. Judge Sue Robinson requested briefs be filed with her last week, two weeks after the completion of the hearing.
Many hoped that meant a decision would be rendered the week before training camp starts. While not surprising, it seems Robinson will be running on her own timeline.
Also, while not surprising, it looks like Watson and the NFLPA, which represented the QB during the hearing, could have another move up their sleeve. The CBA dictates that after Robinson’s ruling either side can appeal if she found a violation of the league’s policy. The decision in the appeal, back to the NFL and Roger Goodell, would then be final according to the CBA.
That doesn’t mean it would be final.
Tom Brady filed a lawsuit when his ‘Deflategate’ suspension was handed down. We detailed the results of that process here where Brady ended up serving the suspension but only after a full-year delay.
According to Charles Robinson, a federal lawsuit is the plan if Watson and the NFLPA do not agree with a lengthy suspension:
Another note: If Watson ends up incurring the full-year suspension the #NFL is seeking – either from the arbitrator or a league appeal of Robinson’s decision – I’m told his camp and the @NFLPA have already made the decision to file a lawsuit against the league in federal court. https://t.co/KdwXJjhBz3
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) July 18, 2022
Charles Robinson also notes that Judge Robinson is not beholden to the training camp schedule and may be creating space for the two sides to negotiate a settlement.
If Watson is suspended a year and files a lawsuit, he may be eligible to play this season before the results of the lawsuit impact a future year. That decision will be up to a different judge wherever the case is filed.
While there is a lot of hope that there will be closure soon in the case, if the NFL gets what they want (a year suspension) they may have to deal with the results in federal court.
