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SPORTS Thursday 4 augusT 2022

NFL appeals 6-game suspension for Browns quarterback Watson

By ROB MAADDI sage treatments in 2020
AP Pro Football Writer and 2021. Two grand juries
The NFL is appealing a in Texas declined to indict
disciplinary officer’s deci- Watson on criminal com-
sion to suspend Cleveland plaints brought by 10 of the
Browns quarterback De- women.
shaun Watson for six games Robinson concluded that
for violating the league’s Watson violated three pro-
personal conduct policy, visions of the personal con-
giving Commissioner Roger duct policy: sexual assault;
Goodell or someone he conduct posing a genuine
designates authority to im- danger to the safety and
pose a stiffer penalty. well-being of another per-
Former federal judge Sue son; and conduct that un-
L. Robinson issued her rul- dermines or puts at risk the
ing Monday after Wat- integrity of the NFL.
son was accused by two She declined to suspend
dozen women in Texas of Watson for a full year
sexual misconduct during based on precedents and
massage treatments while the league’s current policy.
he played for the Houston But Robinson concluded
Texans. a longer suspension could
In her 16-page report, Rob- be justified if it was already
inson described Watson’s outlined in the personal
behavior as “more egre- conduct policy.
gious than any before re- Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson prepares to throw a pass during the NFL football “While it may be entirely
viewed by the NFL.” team’s training camp, Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, in Berea, Ohio. appropriate to more se-
Robinson’s punishment in Associated Press verely discipline players
her first case since being According to the league’s 2020 that the league and public pressure in the me- for non-violent sexual con-
jointly appointed by the personal conduct policy, the NFLPA turned to a jointly dia. Other factors include duct, I do not believe it is
league and NFL Players As- the appeal will be pro- appointed disciplinary offi- Watson’s lack of remorse, appropriate to do so with-
sociation fell well short of cessed on an expedited cer to determine violations which Robinson noted in out notice of the extraor-
the indefinite suspension of basis. Also, it will be “lim- of the personal conduct her report. dinary change this position
at least one year sought by ited to consideration of policy. In the past, Goodell The NFL argued for an un- portends for the NFL and its
the league. the terms of discipline im- has served as judge and precedented punishment players,” Robinson wrote in
So, the NFL on Wednes- posed” and “based upon jury to impose penalties on and wanted to fine Watson her report. Watson has con-
day exercised its right to a review of the existing re- players. By appealing, the at least $5 million, a person tinued to practice with the
appeal, per the collective cord without reference to NFL is giving that power familiar with the discussions Browns while awaiting reso-
bargaining agreement. evidence or testimony not back to Goodell, who can told the AP on condition lution to his case, which
The players’ union has until previously considered.” chose another person to of anonymity because the has raised questions about
the end of business Friday The policy also states the levy any punishment. hearing was private. the league’s handling of
to respond in writing. The “decision of the Com- A league official told The Watson, who played four off-field player behavior, in-
union could challenge the missioner or his designee, Associated Press before seasons with the Texans consistencies in its person-
appeal ruling in federal which may overturn, re- Watson’s three-day disci- before sitting out last sea- al conduct policy and its
court, setting the stage for duce, modify or increase plinary hearing concluded son and then being traded overall support of women.
a prolonged fight. the discipline previously is- in June that the NFL want- to Cleveland in March, re- The Browns have been in a
NFL spokesman Brian Mc- sued, will be final and bind- ed to avoid an appeal. cently settled 23 of 24 law- state of limbo as well, not
Carthy said there’s no time- ing on all parties.” But the league proceeded suits filed by the women knowing when or if Wat-
line for Goodell or his desig- This is the first time since with one amid a backlash who alleged sexual harass- son will be able to play this
nee to make a ruling. the new CBA was signed in from some fans and intense ment or assault during mas- season.q

Mickelson, others sue PGA Tour over LIV Golf suspensions

By DOUG FERGUSON by Talor Gooch, Hudson does not allow releases for
AP Golf Writer Swafford and Matt Jones tournaments held in North
Phil Mickelson, Bryson De- to compete in the FedEx America. The last two LIV
Chambeau and a group Cup playoffs. Golf events with $25 million
of players who defected Six players who have com- in prize money for 54 holes
to Saudi-funded LIV Golf peted in LIV Golf events with no cut were in Oregon
filed an antitrust lawsuit are among the top 125 in and New Jersey.
Wednesday against the the FedEx Cup standings The Journal reported that
PGA Tour, the first step in a and would be eligible for details of the lawsuit indi-
legal fight that could de- the start of the PGA Tour’s cate the PGA Tour suspend-
fine the rules of where play- postseason that starts next ed Mickelson in March for
ers can compete. week. allegedly recruiting play-
The Wall Street Journal first The PGA Tour has suspend- ers to LIV Golf. When he
reported the filing in U.S. ed members for playing in applied for reinstatement
District Court in San Francis- LIV Golf events without a in June, the tour denied it
Phil Mickelson lines up a shot on the 18th hole during the first co. The complaint also in- release to play in tourna- because he had played
round of the Bedminster Invitational LIV Golf tournament in cludes an application for a ments the same week of in the first Saudi event held
Bedminster, N.J., Friday, July 29, 2022.
Associated Press temporary restraining order a PGA Tour event. The tour outside London.q