Sources say hedging in Cleveland Browns disciplinary case QB Deshaun Watson is expected to take place on Monday

NFL disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson is expected to make a decision Monday on whether Cleveland Browns midfielder Deshaun Watson Sources confirmed to ESPN that there was a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy.

Watson has been accused of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during a massage in a civil lawsuit filed by 25 women. The encounters cited in the lawsuits took place between March 2020 and March 2021, while Watson was a member of Houston Texas. One of the 25 lawsuits was dropped following a judge’s ruling in April 2021 that the plaintiffs needed to amend the lawsuit to reveal their names. In June, Watson settled 20 of the 24 lawsuits he is facing; The remaining four are still in service and are on track for testing next year.

Last month, Texans arrived in settlements with 30 women who has made a statement or is about to bring a claim against the organization for its alleged role in connection with the allegations against Watson.

Robinson heard arguments from the union, the union and Watson’s attorneys during a three-day hearing held in her home state of Delaware in late June. The NFL has pushed for a suspension of at least a year, while lawyers for the NFLPA and Watson argued that the quarterback should not be suspended at all. The parties discussed a potential settlement during the hearing, but were unable to agree to an agreement.

If the union or federation chooses to appeal Robinson’s decision, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell or his designee “will issue a written decision that constitutes a complete, final, and total resolution. dispute,” under the provisions of Article 46 of the collective bargaining agreement Under the CBA, either party will have three days to file an appeal.

Although two grand juries in Texas declined to pursue criminal charges against Watson earlier this year, the NFL is still investigating whether he violated its personal conduct policy from last year. or not. The NFL interviewed Watson for several days earlier this summer. Union investigators also spoke to several women.

Watson has consistently denied any wrongdoing and says he has no regrets about any of his actions during the massages. Watson also said he has cooperated with the NFL’s investigation and “honestly answered any questions” he was asked by league investigators.

The Browns traded with Watson in March, sending three first-round draft picks to the Texans. Cleveland then awarded Watson a new five-year, $230 million, fully guaranteed contract, the richest contract in NFL history for any player.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said last week that Jacoby Brissett will become Cleveland’s initiator if Watson is suspended. The Browns had a Sunday off training camp but are expected to resume practice on Monday.

CBS Sports first reported that Robinson’s decision is expected on Monday.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler contributed to this report.