Sue L. Robinson fumbles Deshaun Watson ruling with meager six-game suspension
Facts
- Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been suspended for six games for violating the National Football League's (NFL) personal conduct policy amid sexual misconduct allegations against him.
- Former US District Court Judge Sue Robinson levied the penalty against Watson after the NFL recommended that he receive an indefinite ban, no shorter than a year.
- The league has the option to appeal the ruling - which would allow the NFL to impose the harsher penalty it sought - but have yet to indicate whether they will take this route.
Sources
Spin
Narrative A
The decision to suspend Watson from only six games is little more than a slap on the wrist that adds insult to injury. Other players have been given much heavier punishment for much lighter violations. The NFL must appeal this ruling and hold the quarterback accountable.
Narrative B
The NFL's disiplinary process is unfair as it doesn't have the same protections a normal investigation in a court of law does, which creates a presumption of guilt in public discourses. Watson hasn't been proven guilty - in fact, two seperate Texas grand juries declined to indict him - and until he is, he shouldn't be punished.
