Deshaun Watson: NFL to appeal against Cleveland Browns quarterback's six-game ban
- Published
Deshaun Watson led the NFL for passing yards in 2020, despite Houston having a 4-12 record
The NFL will appeal against Deshaun Watson's six-game suspension after an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against the Cleveland Browns quarterback.
Watson, 26, was suspended for six games without pay following a ruling on Monday by NFL disciplinary officer Sue L Robinson.
According to Robinson's report, the NFL argued Watson should be suspended for at least the entire 2022 season, which starts in September.
Watson moved from the Houston Texans in March on a deal worth an NFL-record $230m (£174.4m).
The NFL announced its decision to appeal on Wednesday and said commissioner Roger Goodell "will determine who will hear the appeal".
The NFL Players' Association said it would not appeal against the ruling on Sunday.
The union now has two days to respond to the NFL's decision to appeal.
No new evidence or testimony is allowed to be submitted before the appeal is heard.
If the current suspension stands, Watson would be eligible to return for the Browns' game at Baltimore on 23 October.
Watson was accused of sexual assault and inappropriate misconduct during massage sessions that took place between March 2020 and March 2021.
He has settled 23 of the 24 lawsuits he faced.
Two grand juries in Texas decided not to pursue criminal charges against Watson but the NFL conducted an independent investigation to determine whether he violated its personal conduct policy.
Speaking in March, Watson said: "I understand these allegations are serious. I never assaulted any woman. I've never disrespected any woman. I was raised to be genuine and to respect everyone around me."