NFL gets called out by fans after weak Deshaun Watson suspension recommendation
By John Buhler
NFL fans are not happy about Sue Robinson’s ruling on the Deshaun Watson suspension.
Judge Sue Robinson recommends the NFL should suspend Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for six games for rampant sexual misconduct.
Robinson’s ruling was expected to happen on Monday. With the NFLPA putting out a statement about the imminent suspension on Sunday evening saying that it will not appeal Robinson’s ruling, one could infer that it was not going to be an indefinite one. While the NFL can still appeal Robinson’s ruling, it only has three days to do so. Regardless, this is a terrible look for the league.
Watson did not play in a single game at all a year ago when he was still with the Houston Texans.
He would be eligible to first play for the Browns in Week 7 vs. the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 23.
Parties involved in the disciplinary hearing for #Browns QB Deshaun Watson have been informed by Judge Sue Robinson that Watson should be suspended 6 games, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 1, 2022
NFL fans are furious about the weak six-game suspension for Deshaun Watson
For a league that claims to care about women, a six-game suspension is seen as embarrassing.
Calvin Ridley seeing the Deshaun Watson suspension pic.twitter.com/CWQvo99X9T
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) August 1, 2022
Deshaun Watson was accused by 24 women of sexual misconduct and the NFL suspended him 6 games.
— Josh Hill (@jdavhill) August 1, 2022
Calvin Ridley made some bets and the NFL suspended him a full season.
Remember that Calvin Ridley was suspended for an entire season for betting on games he wasn’t even playing in.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) August 1, 2022
Weak suspension for Deshaun Watson, but I’m not surprised in the slightest.
Lots of talk about privilege on social media, athlete privilege is the apex. How many people could be publicly accused of sexual assault by 30 women & not just keep their current job, but become the highest paid in the history of their job? That’s what Deshaun Watson did.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) August 1, 2022
While the NFL is great at a lot of things, doling out punishments has never been one of them…
DeAndre Hopkins, illegal substance, suspended 6 games, $5.2M fine.
— Chuck Harris (@chuckh3) August 1, 2022
Calvin Ridley, gambling, 17-game min. (officially suspended "indefinitely"), $11M fine.
Deshaun Watson, 30+ accusations of sexual improprieties, 6 games, $345k fine.
Deshaun Watson should never be allowed to play professional sports again.
— Brigitte Gabriel (@ACTBrigitte) August 1, 2022
Another pathetic example of the NFL putting money and winning over doing the right thing.
I do not think the Deshaun Watson six-game suspension will stand. The NFL will appeal, and Roger Goodell determines the appeal. I expect Watson to be suspended for the entire 2022 season.
— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) August 1, 2022
Deshaun Watson missing the same amount of games as DeAndre Hopkins is incredibly gross.
— Johnny Venerable (@JohnnyVenerable) August 1, 2022
Completely indefensible.
Watson’s six-game suspension will be as long as Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins’ for using a banned substance and 11 games short of wide receiver Calvin Ridley’s yearlong suspension for betting on his Atlanta Falcons last season.
https://twitter.com/mlananna/status/1554090819627401218
Deshaun Watson gets 6 games for more than 2 dozen sexual lawsuits:
— Justin Barney (@JustinBarneyTV) August 1, 2022
Mike Vick, dog fighting: indefinite suspension.
Mychal Kendricks, insider trading: 8 games.
Ricky Williams, drug suspension: season.
Josh Gordon, drug suspension: indefinite.
Calvin Ridley, gambling: season.
Deshaun Watson will lose NONE of his $44.9 million signing bonus.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) August 1, 2022
He received his first $15M yesterday.
While 20+ women accused Deshaun Watson in civil lawsuits, the NFL brought just 5 cases to Judge Robinson.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 1, 2022
NFL argued for a full-season suspension. Robinson hands down 6 games.
NFL could appeal & potentially add games. The NFLPA could then look to sue in court. This isn't over.
Ultimately, the ball is back in Roger Goodell’s court. While the league office needs to look over Robinson’s initial ruling first, one would expect the NFL will appeal the six-game suspension. With training camp already here and the regular season rapidly approaching, this thing is far from over. Watson may not be suspended indefinitely, but getting only six games is completely tone-deaf.
NFL fans have every reason to be furious over Watson getting this weak six-game suspension.
Related Story. Deshaun Watson’s suspension, disciplinary ruling details revealed. light