DeShaun Watson (QB Cleveland Browns)

[RB07OSU]

How the fuck does that work exactly?

I have been talking with my friends on this, they are appealing themselves? I somewhat understand there is a supposedly neutral tribunal involved (?), but the whole process seems odd. As to the decision itself, I am scratching my head. If he sexually assaulted several women, then he should be out at least a year and probably for good. If the evidence was weak to support that claim, then no suspension at all. I predicted the NFL would go halfway no matter what because that is what they do (not on this site, just in conversation), but it just baffles me how you come up with a 6 game suspension in this scenario.

 

[AKAK]

I have been talking with my friends on this, they are appealing themselves? I somewhat understand there is a supposedly neutral tribunal involved (?), but the whole process seems odd. As to the decision itself, I am scratching my head. If he sexually assaulted several women, then he should be out at least a year and probably for good. If the evidence was weak to support that claim, then no suspension at all. I predicted the NFL would go halfway no matter what because that is what they do (not on this site, just in conversation), but it just baffles me how you come up with a 6 game suspension in this scenario.

Right, they didn't think through anything but the players appealing, where the players would appeal and then the NFL would say, "Ah ha! Fuck off, neutral arbitrator!"

Now they're talking to a mirror.

I'm not sure how you come up with the particular number of 6, but he is paying the settlements, so there's at least some tarnishing of the Shield or however they like to say it.

*I'm not making an argument one way or the other what the number SHOULD be or if the punishment should fit the crime one way or the other.

 

[dragurd]

Right, they didn't think through anything but the players appealing, where the players would appeal and then the NFL would say, "Ah ha! Fuck off, neutral arbitrator!"

Now they're talking to a mirror.

I'm not sure how you come up with the particular number of 6, but he is paying the settlements, so there's at least some tarnishing of the Shield or however they like to say it.

*I'm not making an argument one way or the other what the number SHOULD be or if the punishment should fit the crime one way or the other.

Yeah goodell has for years set himself up as judge jury and executioner. It's BS but honestly it's been going on so long at this point they should have used their leverage of a new collective bargaining agreement to get rid of it first time they had the chance. But that doesn't seem to matter to them until Players Association cries foul a star got screwed over then goes back to ignoring it again as an issue till the next time

 

[Jake]

Whatever you think of the process, and it is odd, it was agreed to be the Players Association in the CBA. Part of me is surprised the League appealed the arbitrator's decision. On one hand, I can see them wanting to look tough. On the other, they could've let the story die by accepting the arbitrator's decision.

Now they're likely going to drop the hammer, Watson's legal team takes it to federal court, and the story stays alive. It's not a good look for anyone involved.

 

[Buckeye86]

Whatever you think of the process, and it is odd, it was agreed to be the Players Association in the CBA. Part of me is surprised the League appealed the arbitrator's decision. On one hand, I can see them wanting to look tough. On the other, they could've let the story die by accepting the arbitrator's decision.

Now they're likely going to drop the hammer, Watson's legal team takes it to federal court, and the story stays alive. It's not a good look for anyone involved.

I’m sure they will find a resolution that will result in absolutely no criticism of the NFL from all the people who would criticize accepting the arbitrator’s decision.

 

[dragurd]

Whatever you think of the process, and it is odd, it was agreed to be the Players Association in the CBA. Part of me is surprised the League appealed the arbitrator's decision. On one hand, I can see them wanting to look tough. On the other, they could've let the story die by accepting the arbitrator's decision.

Now they're likely going to drop the hammer, Watson's legal team takes it to federal court, and the story stays alive. It's not a good look for anyone involved.

Yeah I think the decision was horseshit and he deserved more games. But also I think it's wild the Players Association allows Goodell to be Judge Jury and Execution. The NFL process literally says NFL can appeal then it can go to Goodell or someone he chooses and their decision is final. Who the fuck agrees to that? and let alone keeps that in place for what nearly 20 years

 

[ScriptOhio]

As one source explained it on Friday, Harvey is delaying the ruling to give the NFL and the NFL Players Association a chance to work out a compromise.

The league currently holds all the cards. However, a settlement would avoid a potential challenge to the suspension in federal court. The NFL possibly hopes to avoid arguments that would compare the punishment imposed on Watson to discipline (or lack thereof) experienced by owners for actual or potential violations. Under the Personal Conduct Policy, owners are supposed to be held to a higher standard.

Judge Robinson found that Watson committed four instances of non-violent sexual assault. Those findings are binding on the appeal process. She also found that he wasn’t truthful with investigators, and she described the conduct as “egregious” and “predatory.”

Watson reportedly is willing to accept an eight-game suspension and a $5 million fine. The question is whether he’d go higher under either category in order to resolve the situation — and whether the league will go below the potential floor of 12 games.

 

[NJ-Buckeye]

That was one seriously underwhelming debut...