By: Mike Rifkin
Monday morning Judge Sue Robinson handed a six game suspension to Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and did not fine him for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy stemming from multiple accusations of sexual misconduct.
In her decision Judge Robinson said “ Mr. Watson is hereby suspended for six (6) regular-season games without pay. Although this is the most significant punishment ever imposed on an NFL player for allegations of non-violent sexual conduct, Mr. Watson’s pattern of conduct is more egregious than any before reviewed by the NFL.” Six games is not enough for this kind of behavior and the NFL, who has three days to appeal this, absolutely should appeal this. The decision also said the NFL wanted Watson suspended for the season and with reinstatement for 2023 hinging on specific conditions. The League says its request is unprecedented, because his conduct was unprecedented. Yes the league has suspended players for sexual assault and misconduct before, but not to this extent. Watson will miss games against the Panthers, Jets, Steelers, Falcons, Chargers and Patriots.
The NFL needs to make a statement saying this kind of behavior will not be tolerated. They made that stance on Tom Brady with deflategate and with Calvin Ridley this offseason suspending him for the season for gambling. But this behavior is much worse and Roger Goodell needs to appeal this. Even if Watson and his team want to take this to court the NFL needs to make the right call.
The NFL as a whole has a massive cultural issue whether it be players or owners. Deshaun Watson is the latest example of part of the problem along with what is going on with Commanders Owner Daniel Snyder, if Roger Goodell wants to show the fans what he truly believes both reports have to be released. At the end of the day six games for Watson’s behavior is not enough for me and I hope the NFL appeals the suspension and give Watson a much lengthier suspension
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