BEREA, Ohio — It turned out to be a very disappointing Wednesday afternoon for the Browns as they walked off the training camp practice field.
That's because they got the news that the NFL was indeed going to appeal the decision that was handed down on Monday by Judge Sue L. Robinson of a six-game suspension for Deshaun Watson.
Very disappointing for Watson, and very troublesome for the Browns and their plans for the 2022 season. For at the time the trade was made back on March 18, the organization kind of drew a line in the sand and said, "Six games. That's where we would be comfortable with a Watson suspension."
They thought they had that on Monday, but now with the case going to appeal, the NFL is going to go strong after the quarterback once again. They want a full-year suspension, an indefinite suspension, and a huge fine. That goes very much against the Robinson ruling.
So the process now goes like this: The NFLPA will step in (they have two business days) to answer the NFL appeal, which was filed late this afternoon. After that, there will be an appeals hearing. Either Commissioner Roger Goodell or somebody that he appoints will hear that appeal, and then they'll make their ruling in the case.
Again, the NFL wants a much longer suspension than the six games Judge Robinson handed down. If it goes against Watson, the NFLPA and the Watson camp at that time would definitely be ready to file lawsuits, and that's when it becomes troublesome for everybody.
Remember, the plan was that after six games, Watson would get his first start with the Browns at M&T Bank Stadium against the Baltimore Ravens and then play out the remainder of the season. That was the plan, but that plan is very much in question, as is the entire 2022 season.