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It’s looking more and more like the six-game suspension initially recommended for Cleveland Browns star quarterback Deshaun Watson by disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson regarding allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions isn’t going to stick.
One day after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed the league asked appeals officer and former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey to ban Watson for one year, it was reported that the league wants such a punishment to begin immediately and, thus, make the 26-year-old ineligible to participate in Friday’s preseason opener at the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Meanwhile, two individuals have told Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson that Harvey, who has “an extensive background in prosecuting domestic violence and sexual assault cases,” will likely drop a severe punishment on Watson sooner than later. One source went so far as to call it a “slam dunk” that Watson will receive a one-year suspension, while another thinks the three-time Pro Bowl selection could make his official Browns debut before Christmas.
“I know they’re going for the full year, but I could see Harvey doubling the suspension to 12 games and going for the $8 million fine or more and the requirement of treatment,” that second source explained. “It really falls in line with Harvey’s background, with wanting to continue to be associated with the NFL and the public outcry against Watson.”
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has repeatedly insisted that backup Jacoby Brissett will start any games during the 2022 season that Watson misses because of a suspension. There is currently zero indication that Cleveland is interested in available San Francisco 49ers veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, who has been replaced as his team’s starter by 2021 rookie Trey Lance.
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