CLEVELAND ( Associated Press) — Deshan Watson’s short-term future with the Browns may be in focus.
The Cleveland quarterback will have a hearing with NFL disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson next week, three people familiar with the scheduled meeting told the Associated Press on Saturday.
Watson, who is facing a possible suspension from the league stemming from sexual misconduct allegations by two dozen massage therapists in Texas, will meet with Robinson on Tuesday, the person who spoke on condition of anonymity said because details of the hearing have not been disclosed. publically.
It is not yet known how long Watson will be meeting Robinson.
The trial in Watson’s case is a significant development as Robinson will decide whether the 26-year-old has violated the league’s personal conduct policy. The league is expected to recommend significant discipline for Watson, which will be defended by the NFL Players Association in the high-profile case.
ESPN was the first to report Watson’s meeting with Robinson, who was jointly appointed by the league and the NFL Players Association in 2020. It is the first case a former federal judge has heard under the league’s revised disciplinary procedure. Earlier, Commissioner Roger Goodell handled these matters.
Earlier this week, Watson made undeclared financial settlement in civil lawsuits filed by 20 of his 24 accused. The women claimed that he harassed, assaulted or touched them during the session when he played for Houston.
The remaining four cases can still be heard, but not until 2023.
Watson has denied any wrongdoing and said the sex with the three women was consensual.
The league has said that its investigation will not be affected by Watson’s agreement. If Robinson finds that Watson has violated the league’s personal conduct policy, he will likely be suspended for several games if not longer.
Robinson is expected to reign ahead of the Browns’ open training camp at the end of next month.
Cleveland paid Watson for five years, $230 million in March after convincing the three-time pro bowler to waive his no-trade clause and join a returning team after a disappointing 8-9 season. contract signed. Several other teams also followed suit.
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Associated Press Football Writer Rob Maddi in Tampa, Florida contributed to this report.
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