The NFL hearing of Deshaun Watson has concluded; no settlement was reached

The NFL disciplinary hearing of Deshaun Watson concluded on Thursday after three days, according to multiple media reports. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, independent hearing officer Sue L. Robinson has requested post-hearing briefs which are due July 11th. Once the briefs are filed, a decision regarding Watson's discipline is not expected. ESPN's Dan Graziano reports that Robinson is expected to "take her time.". Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported last week that a decision should be made before training camp starts on July 27. As Watson enters his first season as the quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, the NFL and NFLPA have jointly appointed Robinson to oversee the hearing to determine what, if any, punishments Watson will receive.

Four women have filed lawsuits against Watson alleging different degrees of sexual assault and misconduct on his part; he settled with 20 others. During the hearing to determine whether he had violated the NFL's conduct policy, he was represented by the NFLPA. NFL officials are alleged to have argued for a suspension of at least one year. It was reported by Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson that NFL officials disclosed their desire for a one-year suspension to demonstrate publicly that they were seeking a harsh punishment in case Robinson handed down a lesser punishment. Robinson, a retired United States Judge, was jointly appointed by the NFLPA and NFL to preside over the hearing. She can be appealed to by either side. Upon receiving an appeal, either NFL commissioner Roger Goodell or an officer designated by him would render a final decision, according to the collective bargaining agreement for 2020.

The two sides attempted to settle before Thursday's hearing ended without success, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano. After Watson sat out the entire 2021 season following allegations against him, the Browns acquired him in an offseason trade. The Browns signed Watson to a fully guaranteed five-year deal worth $230 million. Tony Buzbee, the attorney for Watson's accusers, announced last week that Watson had settled 20 out of 24 civil lawsuits with his accusers. The terms remained undisclosed. Mr. Watson denies doing anything wrong. Watson did not face criminal charges in Texas when two separate grand juries declined to indict him on those charges in March.