Sue Robinson – the retired judge appointed by The NFL to arbitrate Deshaun Watson punishment for allegations of sexual assault – recommended Monday morning a suspension of 6 games for the star quarterback.
The ultimate decision is in the hands of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who claimed to be seeking an indefinite suspension for his employee who was accused of making inappropriate sexual contact with 25 women (one recanted).
Given this is the inaugural player conduct concern that has been arbitrated by Sue Robinson, it’s unlikely Goodell will cast doubt on the new process. After all, the whole point was for the Commissioner to insulate himself from unpopular decisions.
The NFLPA issued a statement Sunday that they would not appeal the impending decision; presumably they knew Watson was looking at a slap on the wrist.
I can think of a handful of team owners who might not want the NFL’s history on handling sex abuse allegations examined in federal court. Goodell will be under heavy pressure from those unnamed persons to accept the arbiter’s arbitrary decision and move on.
Watson will be permitted to participate in training camp and preseason games before serving his suspension.
Steely Cam 