Deshaun Watson’s statement hints at impending punishment

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and the NFLPA released a statement regarding the upcoming disciplinary decision regarding his sexual misconduct allegations.

The Browns are just finding out how long Deshaun Watson will be suspended for sexual misconduct.

Multiple reports on Sunday indicated that Sue L. Robinson, the impartial umpire hired by the NFL and NFLPA to oversee Watson’s, would announce her verdict on Monday morning.

These reports were supported by Watson and the NFLPA, who released a statement on the matter.

Deshaun Watson and the NFLPA released a statement ahead of the decision

“Prior to Judge Robinson’s decision, we wished to reiterate the facts of this proceeding,” the statement said. “First, we have fully cooperated with every NFL investigation and provided the NFL with the most comprehensive information available for any personal conduct policy investigation. A former federal judge—appointed jointly by the NFLPA and the NFL—conducted a full and fair hearing, read thousands of pages of investigative documents and impartially reviewed arguments from both sides. Every player, owner, business partner and stakeholder deserves to know that our process is legitimate and not clouded by the whims of the league office. For that reason, regardless of their decision, Deshaun and the NFLPA will stand by their decision, and we call on the NFL to do the same.”

That doesn’t sound like someone expecting bad news from Judge Robinson. Already pushing for the NFL to agree to the decision suggests it will be leaning on the lighter side of the proposed penalties.

The Browns are reportedly expecting a ban of no more than eight games.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that recent talks to reach an agreement between the league and Watson on the length of the suspension broke down. Watson’s camp would agree to no more than eight. The NFL would agree to no fewer than 12.

If the NFLPA and Watson thought Judge Robinson was proposing a dozen or more games as a suspension, there is no way they would release that statement.