Watson will not be fined, the source told Schefter. Robinson’s comprehensive 15-page conclusion said that although Watson violated the personal conduct policy, there was not enough evidence to warrant an indefinite suspension, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The players’ union, in a statement Sunday night, made clear it would “support” Robinson’s decision and urged the NFL to do the same. Each side will have three days to file a written appeal. In such event, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell or his designee “shall issue a written decision which shall be a full, final and complete resolution of the dispute,” under the terms of Article 46 of the CBA. Watson has been accused of sexual assault and misconduct during massage sessions in civil lawsuits filed by 25 women. The meetings cited in the lawsuits took place between March 2020 and March 2021 while Watson was a member of the Houston Texans. One of the 25 lawsuits was dismissed after a judge ruled in April 2021 that the plaintiffs had to amend their petitions to reveal their names. In June, Watson settled 20 of the 24 lawsuits he was facing. on Monday, agreed to settle three of the remaining four, according to Houston attorney Tony Busby, who represents the women who sued Watson. Last month, the Texans reached settlements with 30 women who filed claims or were ready to file claims against the organization for its alleged role in the allegations against Watson. 2 Related Robinson heard arguments from the league, the union and Watson’s attorney during a three-day hearing held in the state of Delaware in late June. The NFL was pushing for at least a one-year suspension, while the NFL Players Association and Watson’s attorney argued that the quarterback should not be suspended at all. The sides discussed a possible settlement throughout the hearing, but were unable to agree on a settlement. In the days leading up to Robinson’s decision, the league and Watson’s team engaged in further settlement talks, sources told ESPN’s Dan Graziano, but neither side ever felt they were close to an agreement. The most Watson’s side said they were willing to offer was a suspension of six to eight games, according to sources. The best the league indicated it was willing to offer was a 12-game suspension and a substantial fine — on the order of $8 million, sources said. If his suspension is upheld, Watson will still be able to participate in practice during the preseason. He will also be allowed to return to the Browns to practice during the second half of the suspension, Week 4, per the CBA. But he will not be allowed to be with the team for the first half of the suspension. Although two judges in Texas declined to bring criminal charges against Watson earlier this year, the NFL has been investigating whether he violated its personal conduct policy since last year. The NFL interviewed Watson several days earlier this summer. League investigators also spoke with several of the women. Watson has consistently denied any wrongdoing and said he does not regret any of his actions during the massage sessions. Watson also said he cooperated with the NFL’s investigation and “answered every question honestly” asked by the league’s investigators. The Browns traded for Watson in March, sending three first-round draft picks to the Texans. Cleveland then gave Watson a new five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract, the richest deal in NFL history for any player. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said at the start of training camp last week that Jacoby Brissett would become Cleveland’s starter should Watson be sidelined. During the first week of camp, Watson got the most snaps with the first-team offense, but Stefanski indicated the Browns “might adjust” their scheme after Robinson’s decision.
