NFL is asking at Tuesday’s hearing for Deshaun Watson to be banned for at least a year

The NFL is poised to plead for an indefinite suspension of at least a year for quarterback Deshaun Watson at a hearing scheduled to begin Tuesday before the sport’s new disciplinary officer, according to a person familiar with the case.

The league will allege that Watson, who has been charged with sexual misconduct in two dozen civil lawsuits filed by women, violated the NFL’s conduct policy and should be suspended without pay for at least the entire 2022 season, that person said. Watson would have to seek reinstatement under the league’s proposed penalty.

The NFL Players Association is expected to argue with former U.S. District Judge Sue L. Robinson, the disciplinary commissioner appointed jointly by the league and the NFLPA, for far less stringent discipline against Watson and may not seek a suspension at all.

The NFL will push for a “significant” suspension of Deshaun Watson

Robinson will make the first disciplinary decision under the revised Personal Conduct Policy introduced with the 2020 collective bargaining agreement.

If Robinson finds that Watson violated the Conduct Policy and issues disciplinary action, the league or union could appeal the penalty to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell or someone designated by him. If Robinson decides that Watson did not violate the policy, the case would be closed with no possibility of appeal.

Under the previous version of the Code of Conduct, Goodell had the authority to make the initial disciplinary decision as well as resolve any appeals. This is the first case under the new system.

It’s not clear how long the hearing will last or when Robinson will make an initial decision. The NFL is aiming to resolve the entire case, including resolving appeals, before training camp, a person with knowledge of the matter said previously. The Browns, who completed a trade with the Houston Texans for Watson this offseason, have their first full practice session with veterans scheduled for July 27.

Watson has not been charged with any crime and has denied the allegations against him. According to Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing the women, he has reached settlements in 20 of the 24 then-active civil lawsuits filed against him. Buzbee said in announcing the agreements that the terms would remain confidential. He said he expects the four remaining lawsuits to be resolved in court.

Deshaun Watson agrees to settle 20 of the 24 civil claims against him

The NFL said when the civil settlements were announced that they would have “no impact” on the league’s disciplinary process. The Personal Conduct Policy allows for the imposition of disciplinary measures without criminal charges.

The league’s plan to request a ban of at least a year comes as no surprise to those defending Watson in the case. Several people familiar with the case said a week ago that the NFL would seek a “significant” suspension from Watson. A person on Watson’s side said at the time that the league would “probably” advocate a full-season hiatus.

The NFLPA is expected to cite, among other things, the NFL’s decision not to suspend owners Daniel Snyder of the Washington Commanders, Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots and Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys over incidents involving them and their teams were involved.

Watson has a base salary of $1.035 million for the 2022 season as part of the five-year contract he signed with the Browns, worth a guaranteed $230 million. He would lose that salary if suspended for the entire season, and it’s possible the NFL could seek an additional fine.

Watson did not play last season; The Texans put him on their weekly game-day inactive list. But he was not suspended and received his entire salary.