BEREA, OH – JULY 27: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill during Cleveland Browns training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on July 27, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The NFL will appeal the six-game Deshaun Watson suspension as they believe it was too lenient, but how long do they want the Browns QB out for?
Judge Sue L. Robinson issued her decision regarding the Deshaun Watson suspension earlier this week, ruling that the Cleveland Browns quarterback will be held out for the first six games of the 2022 season. However, the NFL is now taking steps to see that lengthened.
On Wednesday, the NFL filed an appeal in which they will look to increase the length of the suspension.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport tweeted out a PR release that further explains what is happening regarding the appeal, the short of it being that the league can’t appeal the factual findings of the appointed judge (Robinson in this case) but they are able to appeal the disciplinary decision, which is what they’re doing.
As noted, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will appoint who will hear the appeal. But the question that is more pressing is how long of a suspension the league is seeking for Deshaun Watson.
Deshaun Watson suspension: How long does NFL want to suspend QB?
Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network and formerly of The Houston Chronicle reported soon after news of the appeal that the NFL is seeking a full season suspension for the Browns quarterback. Specifically, per Jeff Darlington, they want an indefinite suspension with a minimum of one year.
There was a rightful public outcry over the initial ruling of six games for Watson’s suspension and reports had indicated that the league was pushing for something in the ballpark of a season-long suspension from the beginning, so their decision to appeal doesn’t come as much of a surprise.
Regardless, this is far from over. These proceedings could eventually lead to federal court depending on how the appeal transpires. And if it does lead to that point, there is a chance that Watson could suit up for the Browns in Week 1 against Baker Mayfield and the Panthers.
Stay tuned, because this definitely isn’t the last that will come from this situation.