Deshaun Watson banned for six games over personal-conduct violations

A former US district judge ruled on Monday that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson should be suspended for six games without pay for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy.

Judge Sue L Robinson informed the NFL and the NFL Players' Association of her decision in a 15-page conclusion. However, the decision is not yet final. While the NFLPA vowed Sunday night not to appeal Robinson's decision, the league has three days to appeal the ruling. The NFL released a statement later on Monday, thanking Robinson for her "diligence and professionalism," adding that it is "reviewing" her ruling. "In light of her findings, the league is reviewing Judge Robinson's imposition of a six-game suspension and will make a determination on next steps," the NFL said in the statement. If the league appeals, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell – or a designee – would issue a "full, final and complete disposition of the dispute," per the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Robinson wrote that though the penalty is the "most significant ever imposed on a NFL player for allegations of non-violent sexual conduct, Mr Watson's pattern of conduct is more egregious than any before reviewed by the NFL". According to CBS Sports, the NFL was pushing for an indefinite suspension that would last through the 2022 season.

The NFLPA and Watson have vowed to sue if he is suspended for the season. Robinson found that there wasn't enough evidence to support a season-long or indefinite banishment. "The NFL may be a 'forward-facing' organization, but it is not necessarily a forward-looking one," Robinson wrote.

"Just as the NFL responded to violent conduct after a public outcry, so it seems the NFL is responding to a yet another public outcry about Mr