Deshaun Watson S Appeal Will Proceed On Paper Only Without A Hearing

Now that the NFL has appealed Deshaun Watson’s decision to the NFL, what happens next? The Personal Conduct Policy and the relevant provision of the Collective Labor Agreement determine the next steps. Here is the relevant language of the Personal Conduct Policy: “Such appeals will be: (i) processed on an expedited basis; (ii) limited to consideration of the terms of discipline imposed; and (iii) based on a review of the existing record without reference to evidence or testimony not previously considered. No additional evidence or testimony shall be adduced or accepted by the Commissioner or his agent. Any findings of fact and evidence of the Disciplinary Officer shall be binding on the parties to the appeal, and the decision of the Commissioner or his representative, which may reverse, reduce, modify or increase the discipline previously issued, shall be final and binding on all. party.” Because there is no new evidence, there is no reason for a new hearing. Neither the Personal Conduct Policy nor the CBA requires an appeal hearing. Instead, it’s just a matter of both sides presenting their papers to Commissioner Roger Goodell or whoever he appoints to come up with the same decision he would make. In this case, the factual findings and evidentiary determinations made by Judge Sue L. Robinson give the Commissioner or his designee all the ammunition they need to replace the six-game suspension with something more. It found that Watson violated three different provisions of the policy with respect to four different individuals. Nothing about her decision to suspend Watson six games limits the ability of Goodell or his enforcer to impose a much longer suspension. This is the most important thing to remember. Judge Robinson set out the facts. And the facts he identified are exactly what the NFL wanted to be. Although the NFL did not like its decision on the length of the suspension, the NFL has the option under policy to appeal the decision to the NFL and replace the six-game suspension with whatever the NFL would prefer. .