According to former federal judge Sue Robinson, NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson can resume playing after a six-game suspension.
That’s according to the evidence presented by both sides during the three-day hearing that investigated Watson’s violation of the league’s personal conduct policy.
The verdict is what Watson’s camp wanted because the league was pushing for an indefinite suspension.
However, the NFL can still appeal Robinson’s verdict before a final decision is handed down by Commissioner Roger Goodell.
In that case, a legal dilemma might ensue as Yahoo Senior NFL Reporter Charles Robinson pointed out.
The #NFL now must grapple with whether Roger Goodell is a more fair/accurate/appropriate arbiter of justice in the Deshaun Watson case than an impartially appointed federal judge who weighed the presented evidence for a month. It’s a sizable question with a consequential answer.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) August 1, 2022
Robinson tweeted, “The #NFL now must grapple with whether Roger Goodell is a more fair/accurate/appropriate arbiter of justice in the Deshaun Watson case than an impartially appointed federal judge who weighed the presented evidence for a month. It’s a sizable question with a consequential answer.”
Therefore, there’s a chance that Goodell can disobey Robinson’s recommendations and bestow a harsher sanction.
But typically, the commissioner will yield to the judge’s suggestion because Robinson has reviewed the cases presented by both sides.
It’s hard to see him overruling Robinson, who is the expert in legal matters.
If they get a ton of backlash from the light sanction, Goodell can also defer to Robinson as the person who submitted the verdict.
What Will Happen Next?
The league may appeal for a harsher sanction but it’s not guaranteed.
If the recommendation stays put, Watson will be out until Week 7 and Jacoby Brissett can take over.
That’s a shorter wait for him because he sat out last season with the Houston Texans.
But the end of this saga isn’t here because adjustments to the verdict may be made.
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