“Unprecedented” and “important”. Are from ProFootballTalk and Washington Post, these are two words we have right now to describe what the NFL is planning for Deshaun Watson’s punishment for violating the league’s Personal Conduct Policy. Both publications are said to have spoken to insiders familiar with the NFL’s plan to sanction the new Browns quarterback, who is facing 26 civil lawsuits from massage therapists with allegations of sexual misconduct. Two grand juries refused to indict him on a criminal charge.
We don’t have the period, we don’t have the amount – in fact, we’re not sure if it’s the fine, the suspension, or both. However, according to the PFT, the NFL Players Association has said that it will wholeheartedly defend Watson in the event of an unpaid suspension, and will strengthen protections for three pillars of people you’re familiar with: the owner. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, Commanders owner Dan Snyder, and Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
In the Personal Conduct Policy, there is a line that reads: “The ownership and management of a club or league is generally held to a higher standard and more severe disciplinary action will be taken for violations of this Policy. individual conduct occurs”.
And that’s the stone man. In a league that has largely refused to impose any real sanctions on its owners, the NFLPA can build a situation around the issue based on three owners who recently faced similar situations and got rid of it for the most part with no problems.
Jones did not fully or closely investigate allegations that his longtime friend and former Cowboys executive, rich Dalrymple, watched and took photos or videos of cheerleaders changing in the locker room. Kraft was charged with soliciting prostitution (he pleaded not guilty and the charge was later dropped), and Snyder – well, we’re still working on the details, but he was charged. sexual misconduct as well as building a sexist workplace in Washington. The Snyder case is interesting, because it’s still happening and Commissioner Roger Goodell himself have agreed to testify before the House Oversight Committee about the failed Snyder investigation next week.
The Personal Conduct Policy does not require criminal charges and operates outside the decisions and timing of the court system, although the process is overseen by a former US district attorney.
If this protection passes, it is not out of the question that the outcome is the worst of both worlds – one in which no one is held accountable. If they make Watson’s penalty dependent on the owner’s punishment – well, we all know it takes a so many for an owner to face the real consequences. And while the owners in question, especially Snyder, should absolutely be fully and openly investigated and given appropriate punishments for their violations, Watson absolutely should do the same. .
