NFLPA files its reply to the NFL’s appeal of Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension
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NFLPA files its reply to the NFL’s appeal of Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension over dozens of sexual misconduct allegations
- The players’ association has submitted its reply to the NFL’s appeal of the ban
- Deshaun Watson was handed a six-game suspension by an independent arbiter
- The league appealed the suspension, which was labeled a ‘joke’ Wednesday
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The NFLPA has filed its reply to the NFL’s appeal of Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension.
The Cleveland Browns quarterback was handed the ban Monday by independent arbiter Sue L. Robinson over dozens of sexual misconduct allegations dating back to his time with the Houston Texans.
The NFL exercised its collectively bargained right to file an appeal Wednesday in the wake of the suspension by Robinson, a disciplinary officer appointed by the league and players’ union.
The 26-year-old quarterback is accused of sexually assaulting and harassing dozens of female massage therapists in the Houston area between 2019 and 2021, when he was a member of the Texans.
The players’ association had two days to respond to the appeal and submitted its reply Friday.
Under Article 46 of the collective bargaining agreement, commissioner Roger Goodell could have heard the appeal himself or appointed another arbiter – and that ruling by Goodell or his designee would be final and binding to all parties.
However, Goodell will not personally hear the appeal and instead appointed former New Jersey attorney general, Peter C. Harvey Thursday.
Harvey now has all of the information at his disposal to write his ruling on the appeal.
The NFLPA has filed its reply to the NFL’s appeal of Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension
The players’ association announced it had submitted its reply to the NFL’s appeal on Twitter
There will not be another hearing, Harvey will review the case and the briefs submitted before making a decision.
It is unclear how soon the ruling will be announced but it could be within the next week and is expected to come before the start of the regular season, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
The league is appealing for an indefinite suspension that would be a minimum of a year and the appeal could also include a monetary fine, according to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington.
Mr. Harvey served as the attorney general of New Jersey and is now a partner at the Paterson Belknap firm in New York.
He is as a member of the National Football League’s (‘NFL’) Diversity Advisory Committee, serving as a consulting expert with respect to the NFL’s effort to improve racial and gender diversity in the hiring of head coaches and senior executives throughout the NFL’s 32-member clubs and League office.
Former attorney general of New Jersey Peter C. Harvey will hear the NFL’s appeal