Getty Images
When it comes to player discipline, the NFL has learned to delay action as long as possible. For example, the NFL took no action against Browns quarterback Deshawn Watson for over a year because it was unnecessary.
With a couple of grand juries deciding not to file criminal charges against Watson, and with Watson now a member of the Cleveland Browns, the NFL is approaching the point where some kind of decision can be expected if one isn’t required. The options are listed below.
First, now the NFL can remove Watson. This would be similar if not identical to the approach the league took against Ben Roethlisberger in 2010. At the time of the suspension, he had a pending rape trial in Nevada and avoided criminal charges in Georgia. Following the Georgia Attorney’s decision not to file charges against Roethlisberger, the league imposed a six-game suspension. It was later reduced to four.
Second, the NFL may wait until the 22 civil lawsuits against Watson are resolved. If Watson ends up winning all 22 cases, or if he loses one or more of them, or if he settles one or more of them, the particular outcome will (or at least should) influence the league’s decision. (Indeed, if Watson wins all 22 cases, it could be argued that he should not be punished at all.)
Third, the NFL may impose a provisional suspension with the possibility of further penalties depending on the outcome of the cases. This would give the NFL the means to both discipline Watson based on currently available information, and to keep the league’s options open based on evidence that may come later and/or possible jury verdicts against Watson.
Fourth – and this is a possible outcome that Watson and the Browns should take much more seriously than they do now – the league could end up putting Watson on the list of exempt commissioners (i.e., paid leave) until such time as decisions are made. 22 civil cases, with unpaid suspension after that. We have heard that it is possible. Others too. The best way to avoid such an outcome would be to settle things now.
I made this argument last Friday after the Browns won the four-way tug-of-war for Watson. Get things done now.
The Browns fans deserve it. In particular, Browns fans don’t deserve to see the cloud looming over Houston move to Cleveland.
The Browns seem to take on short-term pain for long-term gain. But this does not mean that short-term pain should be more painful than necessary. If the cases are properly resolved, Watson will arrive with a clean slate and Browns fans won’t have to guess what will happen if/when the case goes to trial. They may also conclude that Watson miscalculated correctly.
So far, the signals from the Watson camp indicate that you need to fight all cases and try to win them. Once they understand that the league may decide to keep him out until the end of the trial, Watson’s camp may decide to take a different approach. They should.