Watson, who played four seasons with the Texans before sitting out last season and then being traded to Cleveland in March, recently settled 23 of 24 lawsuits filed by the women who alleged sexual harassment or assault during massage treatments in 20. The NFL argued for an unprecedented punishment and wanted to fine Watson at least $5m, a person familiar with the discussions told the AP on condition of anonymity because the hearing was private. Other factors include Watson’s lack of remorse, which Robinson noted in her report. In the past, Goodell has served as judge and jury to impose penalties on players.īy appealing, the NFL is giving that power back to Goodell, who can chose another person to levy any punishment.Ī league official told the Associated Press before Watson’s three-day disciplinary hearing concluded in June that the NFL wanted to avoid an appeal.īut the league proceeded with one amid a backlash from some fans and intense public pressure in the media. This is the first time since the new CBA was signed in 2020 that the league and the NFLPA turned to a jointly appointed disciplinary officer to determine violations of the personal conduct policy. The policy also states the “decision of the Commissioner or his designee, which may overturn, reduce, modify or increase the discipline previously issued, will be final and binding on all parties.” Also, it will be “limited to consideration of the terms of discipline imposed” and “based upon a review of the existing record without reference to evidence or testimony not previously considered”. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said there’s no timeline for Goodell or his designee to make a ruling.Īccording to the league’s personal conduct policy, the appeal will be processed on an expedited basis.
The union could challenge the appeal ruling in federal court, setting the stage for a prolonged fight. The players’ union has until the end of business Friday to respond in writing. So, the NFL on Wednesday exercised its right to appeal, per the collective bargaining agreement. Robinson’s punishment in her first case since being jointly appointed by the league and NFL Players Association fell well short of the indefinite suspension of at least one year sought by the league. In her 16-page report, Robinson described Watson’s behavior as “more egregious than any before reviewed by the NFL”. Former federal judge Sue L Robinson issued her ruling Monday after Watson was accused by two dozen women in Texas of sexual misconduct during massage treatments while he played for the Houston Texans.
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