A decision on a potential Deshaun Watson suspension is drawing near. According to ESPN's Josina Anderson, a verdict on Watson's case is expected to come on Monday.
Watson began his hearing with the NFL and NFLPA's jointly appointed disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson on Tuesday, June 28. It continued on Wednesday before wrapping up on Thursday, June 30.
All told, Watson's hearing lasted three days, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The disciplinary hearing for #Browns QB Deshaun Watson has ended for the day, which means it has wrapped up after three days. The wait for Judge Sue Robinson’s ruling begins.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 30, 2022
Since then, fans have eagerly awaited an update about Watson's case and status. The first came when ESPN's Sarah Barshop reported that there is no timetable for Robinson's decision to be made. And even after she hands down a ruling, Watson will still be able to appeal it.
The NFLPA announced its intention to stand with Robinson's decision late Sunday night. The move seemed to suggest that the union is expecting Watson to be suspended less than a year, a ruling that would seemingly align with the league's interests, despite their public pursuit of a yearlong punishment for Watson.
Our joint statement with Deshaun Watson on the impending arbitration decision: pic.twitter.com/9ObLnHiX6J
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) July 31, 2022
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Robinson's lengthy review of the case shouldn't come as a surprise. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com explained that it was taking Robinson a while to announce her decision because she had to thoroughly review the case. This included reviewing the case briefs submitted by Watson and the NFL as well as putting and explaining her decision in writing.
So, while Browns fans were hoping to know the answers before training camp, that wasn't something that Robinson was concerned with, per Cabot.
This isn't something that she's just writing on a napkin while she's at dinner. I mean, she really has to put a lot of thought and effort into this.
"I think she's taking her time and she wants to get this right," Cabot added. "And it's important because this is the first case under the new collective bargaining agreement, the revisions whereby there is a jointly appointed officer. So, this is the first time this is happening, and everyone wants the process to go smoothly."
On Friday, Cabot revealed that she expected a decision to come either later this week or early next week. The timing of Anderson's report seems to match Cabot's prediction, meaning that this chapter of the Watson saga could come to an end on Aug. 1.
If the NFLPA's statement is to be believed, that means Watson is unlikely to file an appeal. The NFL still has the right to appeal, but is thought to be hoping to avoid a lengthier process. If Robinson were to suggest that the league suspend Watson 6-8 games, the NFL may be more likely to back the suspension, per AP's Rob Maaddi.
More: I'm also told the NFL, despite insisting on indefinite suspension, wants to avoid the appeals process - source said "a terrible situation for everyone involved" - so league is more likely to abide by Sue Robinson's ruling IF she came back with 6-8 games.
— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) June 28, 2022
Some disagree, though, believing the league is still pushing for year-long ban for Watson.
It's not true that the #NFL would likely accept a 6-8 game suspension for Deshaun Watson if that's what Sue L. Robinson, league source tells https://t.co/o11vJSOExu https://t.co/cdQa5EMHWt
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) June 29, 2022
What we do know, per ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio, is that the NFL interviewed 12 women who made allegations against Watson, but the case presented by the NFL had no evidence of violence, threats, coercion or force applied by him. Florio also reported the NFL said its request for an indefinite suspension lasting at least one year is unprecedented.
In addition, PFT reported the league had its director of security investigate the solicitation allegations against Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Kraft did not face any discipline from the league.
MORE: What Watson's settlements with accusers means for NFL's decision
As such, it appears that there are three ways that Watson's hearing could go. The most obvious, and likely, outcome is that Robinson will rule that Watson should be suspended for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.
The other two possibilities for Watson's hearing are less likely. Robinson could surprise everyone and rule that Watson didn't violate the league's personal conduct policy, or that he deserves punishment commensurate with the lower-end consequences given to owners like Kraft and Jerry Jones in recent years. That would allow Watson to play all — or most — of the season.
MORE: Why NFL is seeking a one-year ban for Deshaun Watson
The final option is, at this point, the most unlikely of all. The NFL and NFLPA could reach a settlement in Watson's case, which would end the need for a disciplinary ruling from Robinson. Neither side seems interested in that.
The Watson saga is finally coming to a head and there should soon be a decision about his status for 2022. But until a ruling is made, Watson's status will remain in limbo.
For now, Watson is currently in attendance at training camp and will be eligible to practice while there. But if and when he is suspended, Jacoby Brissett will become Cleveland's top quarterback with Baker Mayfield now in Carolina.
