NFLPA release sounds like good news for Deshaun Watson

Fans of the Cleveland Browns have been waiting for answers on the Deshaun Watson suspension since the trade was made, Monday will likely be the day.

News broke late on Sunday evening that the Cleveland Browns can likely expect a decision from Sue Robinson on the Deshaun Watson suspension as early as Monday morning. The sexual misconduct issue has been lingering for over a year, and may finally be over this week.

Speculation started months ago that Watson would be suspended for at least eight games. Then more details came out that led people to believe a full-season suspension was coming.

Now we don’t know what to believe, but a release from the NFLPA late on Sunday could actually mean that good news is coming for Watson and his camp.

The NFL Players Association released a statement saying that they and Watson would stand by any ruling from Robinson and asked the NFL to do the same. Remember, in the past, most suspensions have been appealed by the player and/or league, and many have been reduced in the past.

What does this mean for the Cleveland Browns?

To me, this statement says that the legwork for a settlement has been finished. I have seen reports that the league and Watson were still apart on a settlement, but it feels like this means Watson and the players may be on the winning side.

Watson has appeared to be a good sport throughout the process, but for him to agree to not appeal, leads me to believe he is very confident that the suspension will be short, or not at all.

The timing of the press release and news that an answer was likely coming Monday was too coincidental for me to buy that the Browns and Watson don’t know what’s coming.

My expectation is a four-game suspension. I don’t doubt for a minute that Watson has some regrets, but I’m not sure the plaintiffs were able to make a strong case that illegal actions were taken.

I’m not a judge and haven’t seen any evidence, but reading between the lines tells me Watson will be happy when the sentence is announced Monday.