The league notified the players union on Wednesday that it would appeal an arbiter’s decision. Commissioner Roger Goodell or his appointee will hear the appeal.
The N.F.L. must decide whether to uphold Watson’s six-game suspension or impose a more severe penalty. Its choice will speak volumes, writes our columnist.
Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension, imposed by a retired federal judge, was the first player conduct penalty reached by the N.F.L.’s new hearing process.
The N.F.L. quarterback was suspended for six games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. He has settled 23 of the 24 civil lawsuits accusing him of a pattern of coercive and lewd behavior.