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23 for Watson to play in a game for the first time since Jan. It will be interesting to see if Stefanski plays Watson in the three-game preseason, or just waits until Week 7 in Baltimore on Oct. I’d expect Watson to continue to take the majority of the starting reps in camp, with Brissett’s load increasing as time passes. The second task is complicated for a couple of reasons - Watson didn’t play last season with the Texans and won’t be able to practice with the Browns when the suspension starts.
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11, and having Watson as prepared as possible to hit the ground running in Week 7. Watson dominated the first-team reps during the offseason program and the first days of training camp, and coach Kevin Stefanski said last week he would wait to know the length of a suspension before adjusting the reps.Īssuming Watson is out for the first six games, Stefanski must proceed down dual tracks - getting backup Jacoby Brissett ready to start the first six games, beginning Week 1 in Carolina on Sept. If he misses most or all of the season, the chances of reaching the playoffs diminish greatly and the Browns would be in danger of wasting a season with a talented roster, including many stars in their prime. If the six-game suspension holds and he’s available for the final 11 games, the Browns are legitimate contenders to win the AFC North for the first time and make a run in the playoffs.
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Watson’s a three-time Pro Bowler and an incredible difference-maker. But as the civil lawsuits increased and media reports further showed a disturbing pattern of behavior, a yearlong suspension seemed more likely. When they shocked the NFL world by trading for Watson on March 18 and signing him to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract, they were confident the suspension would be relatively short - maybe four-to-six games. If it does, this story will be far from over.Įven acknowledging the potential of an appeal, the Browns must’ve been relieved to hear the news. The league has three days to decide if it will appeal. The argument against an appeal is that this is Robinson’s first case since the CBA was signed and it would look bad to overrule her decision and undercut her authority, especially after making the change to an independent arbitrator. Some within the NFL offices feel strongly about that given the seriousness of the sexual misconduct allegations and may not be willing to accept Watson sitting out for only a third of the 18-week season. The league argued to Robinson that Watson should be suspended indefinitely and miss at least the 2022 season. It would upset the NFLPA, and reportedly inspire a lawsuit, if the NFL appeals and extends the suspension, but that’s the league’s right. Just like the collective bargaining agreement signed in 2020 shifted the initial ruling in personal conduct cases from Goodell to Robinson - who was jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA - the CBA gave Goodell final say through the appeals process.
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Robinson’s decision to suspend Deshaun Watson for six games A longer suspension would be the expectation. Commissioner Roger Goodell or someone he designates would hear the appeal and have the authority to reduce, maintain or increase the suspension. That’s where it could get tricky for Watson. The NFL released a statement Monday saying it will “make a determination on next steps.” Watson and the NFL Players Association released a statement Sunday night announcing they wouldn’t appeal and urging the NFL to accept Robinson’s decision, but the league has the right to appeal. Watson, the Browns and their fans can’t truly celebrate until the league decides if it will appeal Robinson’s ruling.