In the wake of the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement, things were as good as they have been in years between the NFL and the NFL Players Association. But all good things come to an end. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the Deshaun Watson affair has driven a large wedge between the league and the league. The relationship has soured significantly because of the NFL’s decision to appeal the ruling entered four days ago by the joint-hired disciplinary officer under the Personal Conduct Policy, retired federal judge Sue L. Robinson. The union should not be surprised that he left like this. The 2020 CBA changed the disciplinary process but allowed the league to retain full authority over the appeals process. Did the union really believe the league would choose not to exercise the power it bargained for? Aside from the potential consequences of failing to be strict enough with players who violate women’s rights, the NFL is generally not in the business of sacrificing its power. He exercises his power as a reminder that: (1) he has the power; and (2) if the union wants to change the situation, there is a way to do it — by giving up something else in return. Conclusion? The NFLPA allowed the league to retain control of the appeals process. It would be foolish for the association to think the league will just throw it away voluntarily — especially in a case like this.
