Deshaun Watson suspension: NFL appoints former NJ Attorney General Peter Harvey to hear appeal

Peter Harvey, a former New Jersey Attorney General, was appointed to supervise the proceedings. NFL’s appeal of Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspensionThis week, Sue L. Robinson, an independent disciplinary officer, made her recommendation for the Cleveland Browns quarterback.

The league issued a statement affirming Harvey’s appointment as attorney general in 2003-2006. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’sDesignee for appeals process

The statement stated that Harvey was the Attorney General for New Jersey and is now a partner in the Patterson Belknap law firm in New York. He has also been a federal prosecutor. He has deep knowledge in criminal law including domestic violence and sexual abuse and has advised other professional leagues and the NFL on the development of and implementation policies for workplaces, including the NFL Personal Conduct Policy. Harvey has served as Commissioner’s designee for other arbitrations.

DESHAUN WATSON’S SUSPENSION EXPLAINED IN DISCIPLINARY OFFICER’S 16-PAGE REPORT

Robinson, a former federal judge, released a 16-page report which concluded Watson violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy on three points after 24 women have come forward to accuse each other of sexual assault, but she pointed to the league’s previous rulings as part of the basis of her six-game suspension decision. 

Robinson explained that her decision was partly based on “existing standards of discipline and previous disciplinary outcomes.”

Deshaun Watson speaks in a press conference that introduced him to the Cleveland Browns at CrossCountry Mortgage campus in Berea, Ohio.
(Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

The NFL previously recommended an indefinite suspension, at least through the 2022 season, and on Wednesday announced it would be appealing Robinson’s decision. 

“Under the 2020 NFL/NFLPA collective bargaining arrangement (‘CBA’), all factual findings by the Disciplinary officer are final and cannot be appealed. Judge Robinson found that Mr. Watson violated the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy on multiple occasions and suspended him for six games. “The CBA gives the NFL and NFLPA the ability to appeal the discipline imposed on them by the Disciplinary officer,” said a spokesperson for the league. 

Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns’ quarterback, looks on at CrossCountry Mortgage campus in Berea, Ohio on July 28, 2022.
(Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports)

Tony Buzbee is the attorney who represents the women. Watson was sued for making allegationsOn the subject of sexual assault, the NFL was asked to “do what is right.” 

“Every victim of sexual abuse is watching Roger Goodell’s NFL coverage right now. What will you do Mr. Goodell? It’s never too late to do the right thing,” he said during a news conference. “That’s what these women and those watching are expecting.”

This report was compiled by the Associated Press.