Retired federal judge and independent disciplinary officer, Sue L. Robinson, made the ruling Monday, ESPN reported.<\/p>\n
CNN has reached out to the NFL, NFLPA and the Browns for comment.<\/p>\n
Robinson heard Watson’s case in late June and was jointly appointed by both the NFL and the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), per their collective bargaining agreement (CBA).<\/p>\n
Either party can now appeal to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in writing within three business days, according to the CBA. Goodell or his designee “will issue a written decision that will constitute full, final and complete disposition of the dispute and will be binding upon the player,” per the CBA.<\/p>\n
On Sunday night, the NFLPA and Watson released a joint statement, saying they will not appeal, regardless of the decision, and they ask the NFL to do the same.<\/p>\n
Watson did not play last season while a member of the Houston Texans because of investigations into the scattering of misconduct including sexual assault and harassment involving more than two dozen women. <\/p>\n
Watson, who was traded to the Browns in March, has repeatedly denied the against him.<\/p>\n
In June, Watson settled 20 of the 24 lawsuits brought by women accusing him of misconduct, according to an attorney for 24 accusers.<\/p>\n
In July, 30 women who “have made, or intended to make, claims” against the Houston Texans organization over the sexual misconduct against Watson, have settled their claims, according to a release from the claimants’ attorney Tony Buzbee and a issued statement by the Houston Texans’ ownership.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Retired federal judge and independent disciplinary officer, Sue L. Robinson, made the ruling Monday, ESPN reported. CNN has reached out to the NFL, NFLPA and the Browns for comment. Robinson heard Watson’s case in late June and was jointly appointed by both the NFL and the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), per their collective …<\/p>\n