According to the
standard NFL contract which Watson signed, Goodell already has more than enough reason to at very least suspend him.
From the 2020 NFL CBA:
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APPENDIX A
NFL PLAYER CONTRACT
THIS CONTRACT is between_______________________________________, here-
inafter “Player,” and ________________________________, a
________________corporation (limited partnership) (partnership), hereinafter “Club,”
operating under the name of the ____________________________________ as a mem-
ber of the National Football League, herein after “League.” In consideration of the
promises made by each to the other, Player and Club agree as follows:
1. TERM.
This contract covers __________ football season(s), and will begin on the date
of execution, and end on the last day of th e _____ League Year, unless extended, termi-
nated, or renewed as specified elsewhere in this contract.
2. EMPLOYMENT AND SERVICES.
Club employs Player as a skilled football player. Player accepts such employment. He agrees to give his best efforts and loyalty to the Club, and to conduct himself on and off the field with appropriate recognition of the fact that the success of professional football depends largely on public respect for and approval of those associated with the game. Player will report promptly for and participate fully in Club’s official mandatory minicamp(s), official preseason training camp, all Club meetings and practice sessions, and all preseason, regular season and postseason football games scheduled for or by Club. If invited, Player will practice for and play in any all-star football
game sponsored by the League. Player will not participate in any football game not spon-
sored by the League unless the game is first approved by the League.
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11. SKILL, PERFORMANCE AND CONDUCT.
Player understands that he is compet-ing with other players for a position on Club’s roster within the applicable player limits. If at any time, in the sole judgment of Club, Player’s skill or performance has been unsatis-
factory as compared with that of other players competing for positions on Club’s roster,
or
if Player has engaged in personal conduct reasonably judged by Club to adversely affect
or reflect on Club, then Club may terminate this contract. In addition, during the period
any salary cap is legally in effect, this contract may be terminated if, in Club’s opinion,
Player is anticipated to make less of a contribution to Club’s ability to compete on the
playing field than another player or players whom Club intends to sign or attempts to sign,
or another player or players who is or are already on Club’s roster, and for whom Club
needs room.
3) Paragraph 15. Integrity of the game
“Player therefore acknowledges his awareness that if he accepts a bribe or agrees to throw or fix an NFL game; fails to promptly report a bribe offer or an attempt to throw or fix an NFL game; bets on an NFL game; knowingly associates with gamblers or gambling activity; uses or provides other players with stimulants or other drugs for the purpose of attempting to enhance on-field performance;
or is guilty of any other form of conduct reasonably judged by the League Commissioner to be detrimental to the League…The commissioner will have the right…to fine player…to suspend player…or to terminate this contract.”
[FYI: As language in the standard part of the contract is collectively bargained, the language in any addendums cannot amend them.]