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Deshaun Watson's judgment is nigh, with a ruling expected to be handed down in the coming weeks. However, that could be just the first step in a lengthy legal process. After the ruling is handed down, the quarterback or the league has the right to appeal. This could lead to another significant waiting period.
One NFL analyst feels the league will not drag out the ruling any longer than it already has. Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, show host Pat McAfee explained how he arrived at that conclusion.
"Deshaun Watson and I went through a couple of CBA negotiations and listened to all the people that are pissed off about everything. I had my own deals with the NFLPA because when I was in the substance abuse program, they were nowhere to be found, as I wasn't getting the views."
He went on to state that the NFLPA would be in Watson's corner.
"And then they sold my rights for pennies on the dollar like you said, so I'm not necessarily the biggest NFLPA fan either, but I do know that they're going to bat for Deshaun Watson currently, this Sue Robinson courtroom that is happening within the NFL bubble. There was a potential settlement that almost came about, but they couldn't agree on the terms."
Lastly, he claimed that the NFL wouldn't be willing to roll up their sleeves and dive into the deep end with the quarterback:
"And then now they're in court the last two days. Deshaun Watson has been there. This is happening in the state of Delaware, I believe. Sue will give her ruling. Then there are appeals but the NFL said they don't want to get into the appeal game because that's ugly for everybody."
Deshaun Watson's courtroom battle
While most other players in the NFL have battled exclusively on the gridiron, the Browns quarterback has fought most of his battles in the courtroom over the past few months.
In early 2021, more than 20 victims came forward and sued the quarterback for sexual misconduct.
Watson escaped criminal charges but saw the number of accusers rise to 24. The quarterback has settled 20 of the 24 cases, but is still expected to be severely punished by the NFL for breaching their code of conduct.
Reports suggest the league is pushing for a suspension of at least a year.
