Deshaun Watson settles more cases as suspension verdict is handed down
Cleveland, Ohio - The third party arbitrator between the NFL and the Players Association has finally reached a verdict on Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's suspension.
On Monday, disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson ruled that Watson should be suspended for six games by the NFL for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
Watson is eligible to return for the Browns on Week 7 for their game against the Baltimore Ravens on October 23.
Sunday night, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) and Watson released a joint statement, accepting the decision and announcing they would not appeal it.
The NFL will have three days to submit an appeal in writing.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell or a designee "will issue a written decision that will constitute full, final and complete disposition of the dispute," according to Article 46 in the NFL's collective bargaining agreement.
The 26-year-old player's suspension comes after a series of sexual misconduct accusations that resulted in civil lawsuits filed by two dozen women. As of Monday, Watson has settled 23 of 24 cases, according to ESPN.
The quarterback did not see action for his former team, the Houston Texans, last season, as the scandal broke and continued to grow. On March 18, Watson was controversially traded to the Cleveland Browns.
Cover photo: Nick Cammett / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP