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Deshaun Watson has been handed a six-game suspension and has been attending practice with the Cleveland Browns this week. Watson's suspension was greeted with disgust by the majority of NFL fans. But while the Browns quarterback is facing backlash on social media, fans in Cleveland seem insulated from it all.
Judge Sue L. Robinson was appointed by the league and the NFLPA as a third-party adjudicator as part of the 2020 collective bargaining agreement. She handed down the suspension, noting that his pattern of conduct was more egregious than any case previously reviewed by the NFL. Deshaun Watson was found to have violated the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Back in Cleveland, the quarterback was greeted by a mob of fans. He signed autographs after practice, which, incidentally, was the day of the decision.
The reaction was in stark contrast to the mood on social media. It will be interesting to see if this is really the end of the matter. Will the NFL appeal the decision? Will other cases be filed against the quarterback in the future that bring him back under investigation?
NFLPA implores league to abide by Deshaun Watson's suspension
All eyes are now on the NFL as they have until Thursday to file an appeal. Over the weekend, the NFLPA released a statement saying that it would abide by the terms of Judge Robinson's ruling. The NFLPA further implored the league to abide by the same.
The league, in turn, released a statement following Judge Robinson's decision.
"In light of her findings, the league is reviewing Judge Robinson's imposition of a six-game suspension and will make a determination on next steps."
Deshaun Watson was earlier handed a five-year, fully-guaranteed $230 million contract by the Cleveland Browns. Courtesy of him missing the first six games of the season, Watson stands to lose $345,000 as part of his contract. However, he will still earn $45.65 million this year since the Browns classified a major chunk of his $46 million annual payment as a signing bonus.
Deshuan Watson will miss games against the Carolina Panthers, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Chargers and the New England Patriots. He will be eligible to return in Week 7 when the Browns face off against Lamar Jackson's Baltimore Ravens on the 23rd of October.
Since the ruling, a number of comparisons have been drawn with similar suspensions handed down by the league. Particularly in the case of Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley. Ridley was suspended for the entire season after admitting that he wagered $1,500 on bets that included the Falcons.
Deshuan Watson's suspension, however, was the first decision to be handed down by an independent arbitrator. We will see if the league decides to appeal the ruling over the next few days.
If you use any of the above quotes, please H/T Sportskeeda.
