Deshaun Watson Punishment: NFL Wants Browns QB To Be Suspended Longer, Pay Hefty Fine Over Misconduct
Many were unhappy with the six-game suspension ordered by disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. This includes the NFL itself, and they revealed that they will appeal the decision.
Watson violated the league's personal conduct policy for "egregious acts" of "sexualized contact" after inappropriate behavior with massage therapists. This came as 25 women filed civil lawsuits against the Browns quarterback for his sexual misconduct towards them.
Sue L. Robinson is a retired judge, and her investigation found Watson's "predatory conduct" with these women shed a bad light on the NFL and its players. She also found that Watson knew that his advances toward the women were unwanted.
According to Robinson's findings, Watson violated three of the NFL's personal conduct policies, including the policies for sexual assault, conduct posing a genuine danger to the safety and well-being of another person, and conduct that undermines or puts at risk the integrity of the NFL.
However, she also found that the suspension was not "Violent Conduct;" therefore, she gave him just a six-game suspension. This was against the league's recommendation of a one-year suspension. She also said that she based her decision on previous cases of NFL players getting suspended for sexual misconduct.
READ MORE: Deshaun Watson Punishment: Browns QB 'Displeased' After Getting Slapped with Suspension
NFL Has Already Notified the NFL Players Association of the Appeal
According to NBC News, the NFL had three days to make their appeal to reverse the decision, which they have already done. They have also notified the players' union, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) of their appeal.
However, The Guardian reported that NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said that there is currently no timeline for Goodell or his designee to make a ruling. With the appeal, the NFL has given the power back to Goodell to choose a person who can levy another punishment for Watson.
According to ESPN's Jeff Darlington, things might be more significant now with this appeal, because money will be involved. Darlington tweeted that a source told him that the NFL appeal will now include a monetary fine due to the structure of Watson's contract.
NFL Decision to Appeal Receives Praise From Women's Groups
Tony Buzbee, the lawyer representing the two dozen women who filed lawsuits against the Cleveland Browns Quarterback, lauded the league's decision to appeal the suspension.
"It's never too late to do the right thing," he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Rusty Hardin, who represents Deshaun Watson, could not be reached for comment, as well as members of the NFLPA. Previously, the NFLPA said that they will stand by her decision and recommended the league do the same.
The National Organization for Women also praised the appeal. The organization previously called the 6-game suspension "unacceptable, insulting and dangerous - but not surprising."
The group also released a statement, saying "The NFL has had a violence against women problem for years - and everyone knows it." They added that Watson must not be allowed to profit from his horrific behavior, and the NFL must change its business model, as it "allows, enables, and hides sexual misconduct."
READ MORE; Cuban Olympian Defects to the United States While En Route Ffrom World Championships
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
WATCH: Adam Schefter outlines NFL appealing Deshaun Watson 6-game suspension - ESPN