As the Cleveland Browns take Thursday off from training camp, the next step in QB Deshaun Watson’s process also waits another day as well. The NFLPA has until Friday to respond to the NFL’s appeal of Judge Sue Robinson’s decision. The NFL is looking for a stronger punishment for the quarterback.
Multiple reports say that the NFL wants at least a 12-game suspension to keep Watson from playing in Houston this year.
The response from the NFLPA is unlikely to add any new information to the process nor is an additional hearing likely for the appeal.
Instead, Judge Robinson’s report will be reviewed along with the NFL’s appeal and the NFLPA’s response to that appeal.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell holds the right to hear the appeal or to appoint someone to do so. According to multiple reports, Goodell is planning to appoint someone in his place to hear the appeal:
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will pick someone outside the league office to hear the Deshaun Watson appeal, as @ProFootballTalk said. Why? My opinion …
1) Gives the NFL a better shot at avoiding court.
2) Better maintains integrity of the process they negotiated with the PA.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 4, 2022
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It is likely that someone inside of the league’s office would be appointed. Troy Vincent, a former player and now VP of Football Operations for the NFL, could fit the role.
It is possible that Goodell could appoint someone from outside the league office, as Breer’s tweet notes, but seems less likely given that Judge Robinson was an outside arbiter and they are appealing her decision.
There is hope that the appeal process will move along quickly following the NFLPA’s response but there is no time requirement laid out in the collective bargaining agreement. Following the appeal ruling, Watson could decide to file a lawsuit against the league.