The NFL is seeking a stiffer penalty under the league’s personal conduct policy following disciplinary official Sue L. Robinson’s decision on Monday. Under the collective bargaining agreement, Goodell had the option of reviewing the appeal herself or appointing a designee. A source told ESPN’s Jake Trotter that the NFL is appealing for an indefinite suspension that would be at least one year (as it previously requested), a fine (which Watson was not given by Robinson) and the treatment that star quarterback must have. incur. 2 Related Harvey now works as a partner at the Paterson Belknap firm in New York. He has also served as a federal prosecutor and currently serves on the NFL’s Diversity Advisory Committee, which evaluates diversity in the league. Noting his qualifications, the league said Harvey “has deep expertise in criminal law, including domestic violence and sexual assault, and has advised the NFL and other professional leagues on the development and implementation of workplace policies, including the of NFL Personal Conduct.” Harvey has also served as Goodell’s attorney in other arbitrations. Watson has been accused of sexual assault and other misconduct during massage sessions in civil lawsuits filed by 25 women. The conflicts alleged in the lawsuits occurred from March 2020 to March 2021 while Watson was a member of the Houston Texans. In issuing the six-game suspension, Robinson wrote that “the NFL has borne its burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that Mr. Watson sexually assaulted (as defined by the NFL) the four therapists specified in the Report.” While building on precedent, Robinson attempted to distinguish between violent and nonviolent sexual behavior. Robinson concluded that Watson’s conduct “does not fall within the category of violent conduct that would warrant the minimum six-game suspension” that the league has established as “by far the most frequently imposed discipline for domestic or gender-based violence and sexual acts.” . The Browns traded for Watson in March, sending three first-round picks to the Texans. Cleveland then gave Watson a new five-year contract that was the richest deal in NFL history for any player. ESPN’s Jake Trotter and The Associated Press contributed to this report.