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On Monday, former U.S. District Judge Sue L. Robinson said
Watson had violated the league's policy after more than 20 women
accused him of sexual misconduct and abuse, calling his behavior
"egregious" and "predatory." Read full story
Prior to the ruling, the league had sought an indefinite
suspension of at least one year. Robinson had based the duration
of six weeks on previous NFL suspensions.
"The NFL notified the NFLPA that it will appeal Judge Robinson's
disciplinary decision and filed its brief this afternoon," a
spokesman for the NFL told Reuters in a statement.
Under the appeal process, three outside experts will make
recommendations to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell or his
designee, and either Goodell or the designee will make the final
decision on the length of the suspension, meaning it will likely
increase.
The NFL Players Association may choose to challenge the appeal
ruling in federal court, which could lead to a protracted legal
battle. The NFLPA and Watson both have two days to respond to
the appeal.
All but four of the 24 lawsuits that alleged sexual assault by
Watson were settled in June after more than 20 women came
forward last year.
A Texas grand jury previously declined to indict Watson.
In March, the 26-year-old Watson denied sexually assaulting or
acting in an inappropriate manner towards any of the 22 women
who had made complaints against him at the time.
Watson, who did not play last season, joined the Browns from the
Houston Texans in March this year, signing a five-year, $230
million contract. Read full story
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles, editing by Pritha
Sarkar)
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