Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was issued a six-game ban Monday by NFL disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson after she investigated sexual misconduct allegations against the player.
The league has three days to appeal for a tougher punishment against Watson, the former Houston Texans star who was traded to Cleveland in March and signed an NFL record five-year guaranteed deal worth $230 million.
The NFL Players Association said on Sunday it would not appeal former US District Court Judge Robinson's verdict on Watson violating the league's personal conduct policy.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, or his designated appointee, will make a final decision on appeal, but the league could be looking at a long court fight with the NFL Players Association heading into next month's start of the 2022 campaign if it seeks harsher punishment.
The NFL Network and league website announced the suspension details.
Robinson issued a 15-page finding after arguments in late June from the league, the union and Watson's lawyers in a three-day hearing on five cases presented by the NFL.
Watson has been accused of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage sessions in civil lawsuits filed by 25 women.
The incidents took place between March 2020 and March 2021 while he was with the Texans.
No criminal charges were brought against Watson, who has maintained his innocence. One of the lawsuits was dropped, Watson settled 20 more and four remain are set to go to trial.
The Texans reached settlements with 30 women who were prepared to make claims against the club for its alleged role in enabling Watson's behavior.
Watson, who led the NFL in 2020 with 4,823 passing yards, missed the entire 2021 season under the non-injury/personal matter category of the league's collective bargaining agreement.
The Browns said they conducted an extensive investigation into the allegations against Watson before signing the quarterback to a long-term deal, knowing he faced the possibility of a long ban to begin the 2022 season.
Watson, 26, reported to Browns pre-season training camp last week. The three-time Pro Bowl all-star will be replaced at quarterback by Jacoby Brissett during the suspension, Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski said.
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