I don't think anyone is naive enough to not realize this is a bag job by Goodell. The decision to appeal was Goodell. The appeal was framed by Goodell. The final judgement is Goodell. The other names are minions of Goodell.
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Sexual Assault Suits Against Watson
- Thread starter Texansballer74
- Start date
badboy
Hall of Fame
That's the same personal conduct policy that judge Sue Robinson basically said was not written correctly? This could be interesting
Carr Bombed
Hall of Fame
Yep
badboy
Hall of Fame
And for once I am totally thrilled!
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
Thanks. That makes sense!
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
Jerry doesn't seem to be too worried that the owners' punishments/nonpunishments will affect Watson's ultimate suspension.
***********************************************************************************************************
Exclusive: Jerry Jones not surprised owner misconduct included in Deshaun Watson appeal BY CLARENCE E. HILL JR. UPDATED AUGUST 07, 2022
4:00 PM
BY CLARENCE E HILL JR OXNARD, CALIF.
The NFL Players Association has included a detailed list of past misconduct by NFL owners as part of its reply brief to the league’s appeal in Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s discipline case, according to Fort Worth Star-Telegram sources.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who is one of the owners cited for alleged misconduct that went unpunished, per a source, has refused to speak to the media about the Watson discipline.
Jones remains unconcerned about his inclusion in the reply brief.
In an exclusive interview with the Star-Telegram, Jones said that the NFLPA typically compares owners and players and called it “shooting volleys.”
“It is a standard players association comeback,” Jones said. ”That is the drill. That is the drill to go around to say you didn’t punish such and such. Anybody would know that every player case and every case that involves non-players in the NFL are dealing with dramatically different principle facts, which is all the difference in the world.”
Watson was given a six-game suspension by independent disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson under the league’s personal conduct policy. Watson was accused of sexual assault and harassment by 24 women during massage sessions when he was playing for the Houston Texans.
Watson, who was traded to Cleveland in March, has denied any wrongdoing. The NFL filed an appeal Wednesday, seeking an indefinite suspension of at least one year and a fine around $8 million.
Commissioner Roger Goodell selected former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey to hear the appeal. The NFL said Friday there’s no timeline for Harvey to issue a ruling. The policy says the appeal will be “processed on an expedited basis.”
Per a source, the NFLPA included owner misconduct in the hearing with Robinson before the initial decision on discipline was made because of the league’s threat to seek unprecedented punishment.
Now that the charge is back on the table for the NFL, the NFLPA will lean on a phrase in the league’s Personal Conduct Policy, saying: “Ownership and club or league management have traditionally been held to a higher standard and will be subject to more significant discipline when violations of the Personal Conduct Policy occur.”
In addition to Jones, the NFLPA reply brief included the league’s handling of cases with Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
It is unknown what is different in the reply that wasn’t presented before Robinson.
But NBC’s ProFootballTalk reported in June that the union planned to point out that the league failed to investigate the 2015 voyeurism scandal involving former Cowboys vice president of communications Rich Dalrymple, resulting in a $2.4 million settlement with four former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Snyder was accused of fostering a toxic workplace environment, including sexual harassment allegations within the Commanders organization.
And Kraft received no punishment after being charged with solicitation after a massage turned into a sexual encounter in a South Florida massage parlor in 2019.
“It would be like walking down to the courthouse and saying, ‘you didn’t give that guy that much’ and not take into account what the action was or the circumstances behind it,” Jones told the Star-Telegram. “That’s called shooting volleys. That’s just shooting stuff over your back. That’s the way I look at it when I see something like that.”
Jones said this is not the first time the NFL has tried to compare owners to players during his time in the NFL.
In his mind, none of it has any bearing on the Watson case.
“I can’t talk about any club, Watson or to refer to anybody’s punishment,” Jones said. “I can only say that is what you get when you are part of the NFL. It’s not unexpected.”
***********************************************************************************************************
Exclusive: Jerry Jones not surprised owner misconduct included in Deshaun Watson appeal BY CLARENCE E. HILL JR. UPDATED AUGUST 07, 2022
4:00 PM
BY CLARENCE E HILL JR OXNARD, CALIF.
The NFL Players Association has included a detailed list of past misconduct by NFL owners as part of its reply brief to the league’s appeal in Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s discipline case, according to Fort Worth Star-Telegram sources.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who is one of the owners cited for alleged misconduct that went unpunished, per a source, has refused to speak to the media about the Watson discipline.
Jones remains unconcerned about his inclusion in the reply brief.
In an exclusive interview with the Star-Telegram, Jones said that the NFLPA typically compares owners and players and called it “shooting volleys.”
“It is a standard players association comeback,” Jones said. ”That is the drill. That is the drill to go around to say you didn’t punish such and such. Anybody would know that every player case and every case that involves non-players in the NFL are dealing with dramatically different principle facts, which is all the difference in the world.”
Watson was given a six-game suspension by independent disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson under the league’s personal conduct policy. Watson was accused of sexual assault and harassment by 24 women during massage sessions when he was playing for the Houston Texans.
Watson, who was traded to Cleveland in March, has denied any wrongdoing. The NFL filed an appeal Wednesday, seeking an indefinite suspension of at least one year and a fine around $8 million.
Commissioner Roger Goodell selected former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey to hear the appeal. The NFL said Friday there’s no timeline for Harvey to issue a ruling. The policy says the appeal will be “processed on an expedited basis.”
Per a source, the NFLPA included owner misconduct in the hearing with Robinson before the initial decision on discipline was made because of the league’s threat to seek unprecedented punishment.
Now that the charge is back on the table for the NFL, the NFLPA will lean on a phrase in the league’s Personal Conduct Policy, saying: “Ownership and club or league management have traditionally been held to a higher standard and will be subject to more significant discipline when violations of the Personal Conduct Policy occur.”
In addition to Jones, the NFLPA reply brief included the league’s handling of cases with Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
It is unknown what is different in the reply that wasn’t presented before Robinson.
But NBC’s ProFootballTalk reported in June that the union planned to point out that the league failed to investigate the 2015 voyeurism scandal involving former Cowboys vice president of communications Rich Dalrymple, resulting in a $2.4 million settlement with four former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Snyder was accused of fostering a toxic workplace environment, including sexual harassment allegations within the Commanders organization.
And Kraft received no punishment after being charged with solicitation after a massage turned into a sexual encounter in a South Florida massage parlor in 2019.
“It would be like walking down to the courthouse and saying, ‘you didn’t give that guy that much’ and not take into account what the action was or the circumstances behind it,” Jones told the Star-Telegram. “That’s called shooting volleys. That’s just shooting stuff over your back. That’s the way I look at it when I see something like that.”
Jones said this is not the first time the NFL has tried to compare owners to players during his time in the NFL.
In his mind, none of it has any bearing on the Watson case.
“I can’t talk about any club, Watson or to refer to anybody’s punishment,” Jones said. “I can only say that is what you get when you are part of the NFL. It’s not unexpected.”
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CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
Ex Browns GM Michael Lombardi:
"I know the league wants a year," said Lombardi, who was the GM for the Browns in 2013. "They've made that pretty clear to all people that they leak information to. They're negotiating off a year -- we know the Players Association wants six games. Do they settle on 12? I don't know. I think a lot of this comes down to the simple fact, who's going to win in federal court?"https://www.tmz.com/2022/08/01/wome...tson-suspension-browns-nfl-sexual-misconduct/
Lombardi tells us based on Robinson's ruling, the NFL will likely win in court -- which means The Shield has most of the leverage here ... and should ultimately get what it wants.
As for how the Browns' org. should feel about it all -- Lombardi says it can't have buyer's remorse ... because it had to have known what it was getting into.
"I mean, it was out in the open," he said ... "The key in scouting and being in the front office is to learn more about the player before you acquire him than after you acquire him and if they didn't do that, then shame on them."
"I know the league wants a year," said Lombardi, who was the GM for the Browns in 2013. "They've made that pretty clear to all people that they leak information to. They're negotiating off a year -- we know the Players Association wants six games. Do they settle on 12? I don't know. I think a lot of this comes down to the simple fact, who's going to win in federal court?"https://www.tmz.com/2022/08/01/wome...tson-suspension-browns-nfl-sexual-misconduct/
Lombardi tells us based on Robinson's ruling, the NFL will likely win in court -- which means The Shield has most of the leverage here ... and should ultimately get what it wants.
As for how the Browns' org. should feel about it all -- Lombardi says it can't have buyer's remorse ... because it had to have known what it was getting into.
"I mean, it was out in the open," he said ... "The key in scouting and being in the front office is to learn more about the player before you acquire him than after you acquire him and if they didn't do that, then shame on them."
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
THE ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Editorial: Deshaun Watson's sexual misconduct case has forced the NFL to change its ways
The National Football League might actually be showing signs of positive change after years of shoulder-shrugging and looking the other way when players are caught engaging in lewd or abusive actions, drunk driving or other outrages. Until last week, when it came to holding the line for moral virtue against the NFL’s pursuit of money, morality got sacked every time.
The turning point may have come in the case of Deshaun Watson, the star quarterback of the Cleveland Browns and beneficiary of a guaranteed, $230 million, five-year contract. With that much star power and that much money riding on Watson’s every appearance, the sports-consuming public might well have assumed the guy could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and get away with it in the NFL’s eyes. At least, that’s the way it worked in the past.
More than 50 women — massage therapists with serious careers — were allegedly harassed or abused by Watson while he was quarterback of the Houston Texans. He could have used a therapist employed by the Texans but chose not to. Lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct resulted in 25 of those cases, with all but one now having been settled out of court. The Houston Texans reached settlements with 30 women.
Watson, 26, deserved heavy fines and at least a year-long suspension, but an arbitrator decided only to make him sit out for only six games and pay no fines. The NFL, apparently after weighing heavy public criticism, announced last week that it would appeal in hopes of getting a stiffer punishment.
Watson seemed to think that professional massage therapists are the same as those who appear in online prostitution ads. He typically surfed on Instagram for women — not men. When they arrived, he allegedly wore nothing but a towel and would instruct or nudge the therapist to focus around his genitals. He allegedly tried to get one to perform oral sex on him. Some of the women packed up and left quickly. Others didn’t have a chance to leave before Watson reached his, well, point of satisfaction.
He repeated this pattern so many times, and generated so many complaints, that the Texans devised a non-disclosure agreement for his massage therapists to sign, The New York Times reported. Cleveland Browns owners issued a statement saying he was “remorseful,” though it’s not clear why, given his own spokesman’s denials of the allegations.
Who’s to be believed? It’s his word against his 50 or so accusers.
The NFL and the players’ union hired Sue L. Robinson, a retired federal judge, to hear the case. Robinson confirmed that an unremorseful Watson engaged in unwanted sexual contact that she termed “predatory” and “egregious,” yet she issued a slap-on-the-wrist penalty.
The next test is how vigorously the NFL pursues its appeal to deter future player malfeasance and demonstrate the league has finally evolved.
Editorial: Deshaun Watson's sexual misconduct case has forced the NFL to change its ways
- By the Editorial Board
- 4 hrs ago
The National Football League might actually be showing signs of positive change after years of shoulder-shrugging and looking the other way when players are caught engaging in lewd or abusive actions, drunk driving or other outrages. Until last week, when it came to holding the line for moral virtue against the NFL’s pursuit of money, morality got sacked every time.
The turning point may have come in the case of Deshaun Watson, the star quarterback of the Cleveland Browns and beneficiary of a guaranteed, $230 million, five-year contract. With that much star power and that much money riding on Watson’s every appearance, the sports-consuming public might well have assumed the guy could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and get away with it in the NFL’s eyes. At least, that’s the way it worked in the past.
More than 50 women — massage therapists with serious careers — were allegedly harassed or abused by Watson while he was quarterback of the Houston Texans. He could have used a therapist employed by the Texans but chose not to. Lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct resulted in 25 of those cases, with all but one now having been settled out of court. The Houston Texans reached settlements with 30 women.
Watson, 26, deserved heavy fines and at least a year-long suspension, but an arbitrator decided only to make him sit out for only six games and pay no fines. The NFL, apparently after weighing heavy public criticism, announced last week that it would appeal in hopes of getting a stiffer punishment.
Watson seemed to think that professional massage therapists are the same as those who appear in online prostitution ads. He typically surfed on Instagram for women — not men. When they arrived, he allegedly wore nothing but a towel and would instruct or nudge the therapist to focus around his genitals. He allegedly tried to get one to perform oral sex on him. Some of the women packed up and left quickly. Others didn’t have a chance to leave before Watson reached his, well, point of satisfaction.
He repeated this pattern so many times, and generated so many complaints, that the Texans devised a non-disclosure agreement for his massage therapists to sign, The New York Times reported. Cleveland Browns owners issued a statement saying he was “remorseful,” though it’s not clear why, given his own spokesman’s denials of the allegations.
Who’s to be believed? It’s his word against his 50 or so accusers.
The NFL and the players’ union hired Sue L. Robinson, a retired federal judge, to hear the case. Robinson confirmed that an unremorseful Watson engaged in unwanted sexual contact that she termed “predatory” and “egregious,” yet she issued a slap-on-the-wrist penalty.
The next test is how vigorously the NFL pursues its appeal to deter future player malfeasance and demonstrate the league has finally evolved.
You mad?
I'm not, I'm thrilled with the prospects of this jackass never playing another down.
It’s real interesting how Goodell is already getting blamed by some folks for Watson being railroaded. Yet, forget that Watson wanted no witnesses, no one who could even verify his version of events because he knew what he was doing wasn’t right. That should have been a red flag, but somehow it’s still Goodell’s fault….
badboy
Hall of Fame
I think a lot of the finger wagging at Goodell is due to his previous behavior for years. I think he is going to come out looking good in the way he handled this one but that doesn't change my opinion of other situations.
What? I was speaking to the post I quoted below. It's not really important to understand who is listening to the appeal. The person will do exactly what Goodell wants them to do. It's a dog ang pony show, and I don't need to know the pony's name.
I know it's hard for everyone to keep up in a 12K+ post thread.
maverick512000
Hall of Fame
An attorney that does not forsee an obvious impending potential catastrophe and/or cannot control his client in such an extremely risky refusal to settle for "pennies" to his millionaire client, cannot be considered "damn good at his job" IMHO.
I know this was a misunderstanding and was cleared up but it did remind me of something. I seem to recall a letter leaked by Buzzbee back when this whole thing started of a communication he had with Watson's original team that basically said they don't think he did anything wrong but viewed this as a good learning experience to not put himself in this kind of situation so they were willing to settle. At that point I think it was Watson that killed that and refused to settle for any amount and fired his original team. Not sure if I'm remembering this correctly, been a long time, but if so then can't blame them for not settling as an attorney has to follow the wishes of his client no matter how bad a choice it is.
maverick512000
Hall of Fame
Putting aside any discussion on whether people think Watson did anything wrong or not and putting aside moral considerations, as Texans fans we know for a fact that he screwed us over by signing the, at the time biggest contract in NFL history, and turning right around saying he didn't want to play here any more. Then he gets traded away and for the next two years the worst his new team does the better it is for us and since Browns seem to be putting all their eggs in the Watson basket without him odds are they won't far well particularly given how nasty that division is. So yeah Texans fans should hope Watson never plays another down simply for the harm he did to the team or at least so our new picks are better.
maverick512000
Hall of Fame
There is a line from the movie Back to Hannibal. "No one can catch a tricky liar faster than another tricky liar."
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
Watson fired his original team and hired his new team immediately after the first lawsuit was filed.
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
King: Deshaun Watson's 'Rigged' Browns Contract Doesn't Sit Well with NFL, 31 Owners
ROB GOLDBERGAUGUST 8, 2022
Not only was the six-game suspension for Deshaun Watson considered too light of a punishment, many were also upset about how his contract with the Cleveland Browns helps him financially.
Watson has a $1.035 million base salary in 2022, and he will lose about $344,655 from missed game checks from a six-game suspension. His nearly $45 million signing bonus will not be affected by any suspension.
According to Peter King of NBC Sports, the rest of the league has taken issue with the contract structure.
"One influential NFL person told me on this trip that it doesn’t sit well with the league or 31 other owners that the Browns rigged the Watson contract so that his suspension would cause him to lose only a fraction of his 2022 compensation," King wrote.
The NFL announced it will appeal the suspension and seek a harsher penalty. According to ESPN's Jake Trotter, the league wants an indefinite suspension that lasts a minimum of one year to go with a fine.
Watson faced 24 civil lawsuits from women who accused him of sexual assault or sexual harassment. He has since agreed to settlements with all but one of the plaintiffs. Disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson wrote in her report the investigation confirmed Watson engaged in sexual assault.
The current suspension still only represents a minor loss financially for Watson, especially compared to his $230 million overall guaranteed contract with Cleveland.
The five-year deal features a $46 million base salary in each of the next four years, while no guarantees can be voided by future suspensions, per Spotrac.
It's not uncommon for teams to get creative with contracts to reduce the cap hit. Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Tom Brady is scheduled to make $30 million in 2022, although he has just a $1.12 million base salary and $11.9 million cap hit, per Spotrac.
On the other hand, the Browns have $47.2 million in cap space available, more than double any other team in the NFL.
It seems Watson's deal was less about helping the team and more about reducing the impact of a likely suspension.
ROB GOLDBERGAUGUST 8, 2022
Not only was the six-game suspension for Deshaun Watson considered too light of a punishment, many were also upset about how his contract with the Cleveland Browns helps him financially.
Watson has a $1.035 million base salary in 2022, and he will lose about $344,655 from missed game checks from a six-game suspension. His nearly $45 million signing bonus will not be affected by any suspension.
According to Peter King of NBC Sports, the rest of the league has taken issue with the contract structure.
"One influential NFL person told me on this trip that it doesn’t sit well with the league or 31 other owners that the Browns rigged the Watson contract so that his suspension would cause him to lose only a fraction of his 2022 compensation," King wrote.
The NFL announced it will appeal the suspension and seek a harsher penalty. According to ESPN's Jake Trotter, the league wants an indefinite suspension that lasts a minimum of one year to go with a fine.
Watson faced 24 civil lawsuits from women who accused him of sexual assault or sexual harassment. He has since agreed to settlements with all but one of the plaintiffs. Disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson wrote in her report the investigation confirmed Watson engaged in sexual assault.
The current suspension still only represents a minor loss financially for Watson, especially compared to his $230 million overall guaranteed contract with Cleveland.
The five-year deal features a $46 million base salary in each of the next four years, while no guarantees can be voided by future suspensions, per Spotrac.
It's not uncommon for teams to get creative with contracts to reduce the cap hit. Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Tom Brady is scheduled to make $30 million in 2022, although he has just a $1.12 million base salary and $11.9 million cap hit, per Spotrac.
On the other hand, the Browns have $47.2 million in cap space available, more than double any other team in the NFL.
It seems Watson's deal was less about helping the team and more about reducing the impact of a likely suspension.
Texans are doing pretty much the same thing with Tunsil and Cooks. Browns also doing the same with Garrett. Difference is amount of cap space teams have
TexansBull
Hall of Fame
Regardless of what the Browns did or didn't say, the contract was written to reduce the money that would be lost due to suspension.
Porky
Hall of Fame
I was born at night, but it wasn't last night. The idea that this was written for any reason other than to do DW4 a solid as part of their recruitment process is laughable. Nobody is buying that, nor should they. I actually hope that they get another draft pick taken away for this. Not sure that's possible, but it's well-deserved.
maverick512000
Hall of Fame
Right but this letter was prior to the first lawsuit being filed, it was when Buzbee contacted them to reach a settlement without all this coming out.
maverick512000
Hall of Fame
Could be wrong, and don't have time to research it, but didn't the Browns also say that if it looked like Watson would be suspended in his second contract year they would be willing to restructure again so he didn't take a big hit that year to?
maverick512000
Hall of Fame
I think the Mayfield trade was an example of the owners punishing the Browns. Only a 5th, that could become a 4th but not likely, and having to pay 10 million of his salary for a QB that may not have been the greatest but certainly was above average and when you figure that had to be the best deal on the table. Yeah thats a sign teams won't trade with you unless they can fleece you.
Peanuts
TexansBull
Hall of Fame
I heard the same thing. But it’s the internet so you know.
But it is the Haslams so you know.
The contract itself can be voided on the premise that he lied to both the Browns & NFL during the investigation leading up to its signing.
I think it's very likely that the Browns would go after that if Watson gets a suspension of 2 or more years.
One year they will eat ....
I think intent matters here.
Everyone knew Watson was going to be suspended and the Browns went out of their way to see that he didn't suffer as a result of his own actions.
Highly unethical
paycheck71
Hall of Fame
Yes, I remember that, too.
I know what you said/quoted.
It just seemed to me you don't like the result.
Maybe it was the tone that "I read the post with" or maybe it was the post history of whataboutism - but the owners!
I don't see an owner with 60something women claiming anything.
I pray for a suspension of 2 years or more just so if the Browns go after his money, we also get to witness a Mulugheta vs Haslam matchup, if we are talking about true dirty laundry of an owner.
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
I understand. I was pointing outthe fact that Watson did not fire his original team in response to them telling him to settle and learn a lesson from it (which he obviously didn't........to this day). They were not fired until the lawsuit was filed.
maverick512000
Hall of Fame
Honestly my personal opinion is that he fired them because they were pushing him to settle the entire time and since he believes he did nothing wrong he didn’t like them telling him he should have to pay any money out.
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
I can see your point. But my take is if that were the reason for the firing, the firing would have happened way before the lawsuit was filed............ in that the settlement proposal occurred the end of Jan 2021 and the first lawsuit was not filed until March 16 2021. It really hardly matters. The bottom line is that Watson wasn't capable of learning then, anymore that he is today.
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Well, that's you.
leebigeztx
Keep it Movin!
Who was the original team? Do you remember? Just asking
leebigeztx
Keep it Movin!
Why would any pray for something like that? I mean praying for something that isn't beneficial to you, your family, or loved ones? What has that man done to you personally?
leebigeztx
Keep it Movin!
What was Carson Wentz traded for ? He had a better year than Mayfield and Baker was coming of an injury. The Browns didn't have any leverage once they entered the Watson sweepstakes. Look at the 49ers and what they can't get for Jimmy G.
leebigeztx
Keep it Movin!
The Patriots did it with deflategate and Brady. This isn't anything new other than the accusations themselves.
Seeing him off the field is beneficial to me and a lot of people.
Are you happy all of the dirty laundry came out and Derrick's been proven to be a phony? I like that he was forced to settle with those women. (Forced as in they were bad for business.) Next I'm hoping that God'ell gets deep into Derrick's money and more accusations come out. Couldn't happen to a dumber guy. This should help improve the Texans picks they're getting from the Browns.
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
Before Hardin, the advising team would have been Scott Gaffield and his legal staff and Watson's agent Mulagheta.
badboy
Hall of Fame
I
Thought most thought Cleveland and DW had all leverage? The car sterio did rather exceptionally despite no trade clause.
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
dup
leebigeztx
Keep it Movin!
So he fired Geffield, but David is still his agent.
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
NFLPA backs off notion of an injunction that would let Deshaun Watson play in Week One
Mike Florio
Mon, August 8, 2022 at 7:14 PM·2 min read
Not long ago, some connected to the NFL Players Association were floating the notion that a lawsuit arising from a lengthy suspension imposed by the NFL on Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson could potentially result in Watson playing in Week One against the Panthers. Now, the NFLPA seems to have backed away from that argument.
“The tide has turned on this as an option,” Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports tweeted on Monday afternoon. “Chances of arguing it successfully now appear extremely low. The first question will be why, if they wanted to be assured of a temporary restraining order, they wouldn’t have gone the extra step and cross-appealed.”
That’s one of the points we made over the weekend, in picking apart what would be a very flimsy argument. The union failed to appeal Judge Sue L. Robinson’s six-game suspension. The NFL’s appeal applies only to the failure to suspend him longer than six games. The first six games simply aren’t at issue as the case proceeds. Any lawsuit would be relevant to Week Seven, not Week One.
It’s a no brainer. Judge Robinson imposed a six-game suspension. The union didn’t appeal it. That portion of the case is over. Done. Finito. The only remaining question is whether the union can prevent a suspension of longer than six games.
There’s also a question as to the number of games that would prompt a court battle. If Peter Harvey suspends Watson for twelve games, would the union fight it in court?
What if Harvey suspends Watson for 12 games and fines him $10 million, taking the salary he earned last year while not playing. While some who should know better continue to insist that Watson’s failure to play in 2021 had nothing to do with his off-field situation, the simple truth is that, if he wasn’t dealing with civil cases and/or criminal investigations, he would have played in 2021 — for someone other than the Texans. The Dolphins, for example, were ready to trade for Watson if he settled the 22 lawsuits that were pending against him at the time. But for four holdouts, it would have happened. If there had been no lawsuits or criminal probes, he would have been traded, and he would have played.
So why not fine him the $10 million he made while not playing in 2021? There’s a logic to it, especially if he also will be suspended a dozen games in 2022. It also gives Harvey a chance to create the impression that he’s not doing exactly what the league wants him to do. Even if, ultimately, he is.
NFLPA backs off notion of an injunction that would let Deshaun Watson play in Week One originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
Mike Florio
Mon, August 8, 2022 at 7:14 PM·2 min read
Not long ago, some connected to the NFL Players Association were floating the notion that a lawsuit arising from a lengthy suspension imposed by the NFL on Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson could potentially result in Watson playing in Week One against the Panthers. Now, the NFLPA seems to have backed away from that argument.
“The tide has turned on this as an option,” Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports tweeted on Monday afternoon. “Chances of arguing it successfully now appear extremely low. The first question will be why, if they wanted to be assured of a temporary restraining order, they wouldn’t have gone the extra step and cross-appealed.”
That’s one of the points we made over the weekend, in picking apart what would be a very flimsy argument. The union failed to appeal Judge Sue L. Robinson’s six-game suspension. The NFL’s appeal applies only to the failure to suspend him longer than six games. The first six games simply aren’t at issue as the case proceeds. Any lawsuit would be relevant to Week Seven, not Week One.
It’s a no brainer. Judge Robinson imposed a six-game suspension. The union didn’t appeal it. That portion of the case is over. Done. Finito. The only remaining question is whether the union can prevent a suspension of longer than six games.
There’s also a question as to the number of games that would prompt a court battle. If Peter Harvey suspends Watson for twelve games, would the union fight it in court?
What if Harvey suspends Watson for 12 games and fines him $10 million, taking the salary he earned last year while not playing. While some who should know better continue to insist that Watson’s failure to play in 2021 had nothing to do with his off-field situation, the simple truth is that, if he wasn’t dealing with civil cases and/or criminal investigations, he would have played in 2021 — for someone other than the Texans. The Dolphins, for example, were ready to trade for Watson if he settled the 22 lawsuits that were pending against him at the time. But for four holdouts, it would have happened. If there had been no lawsuits or criminal probes, he would have been traded, and he would have played.
So why not fine him the $10 million he made while not playing in 2021? There’s a logic to it, especially if he also will be suspended a dozen games in 2022. It also gives Harvey a chance to create the impression that he’s not doing exactly what the league wants him to do. Even if, ultimately, he is.
NFLPA backs off notion of an injunction that would let Deshaun Watson play in Week One originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
They were all relieved of their official legal advising status regarding handling Watson's sexual misconduct.