Indefinite Suspension? - Watson

[Stewy]

(06-17-2022, 11:17 AM)CloeHokie Wrote: Just curious here. Did the league get rid of this? I keep hearing Godell doesn't want to use the commissioner exempt rule on Desean Watson but why not just go ahead and slap an indefinite suspension on him now? You can figure out the exact length later. Like it's clear to me this is going to be a lengthy suspension. Why are they dragging thier feet with him? Every day it gets worse! This seemingly would allow time to let it play out while getting him somewhat out of the public and off the field while this is going on. It's looking worse every day and making the NFL look like it doesn't give 2 craps.

Is there some reason anyone knows of why they aren't just doing this?

This has been discussed in detail in several "Watson" threads.  See this thread in Smack Talk for the most recent discussion.  I'm copying my post from there because I'm tired of repeating myself.  lol

http://thebengalsboard.com/Thread-Dawgs-eating-Dawgs?pid=1218825#pid1218825

Quote:I've been saying this for months in other Watson threads.  As soon as his new contract came out, it was my prediction that he'd go on the exempt list and then get suspended in 2023.  Also the owners have to deal with the example set by MLB with Trevor Bauer.  So it is possible that Watson goes Exempt in 2022, then gets TWO YEARS of suspension and possibly not see the field until 2025.  Even with appeal, he may not see the field until 2024.


That contract and the whole Watson mess is a complete embarrassment to the NFL to Goodell and it being 100% guaranteed is a violation of the owners "Bro Code", because it's sets a precedent they don't want to have to deal with it.  So these suppositions others have that the NFL wants it's star players on the field, is just bogus in this situation.  Firstly, Browns fans sell out every game anyway; secondly, the Browns don't draw more eyes to the TV, with or without Watson; Lastly,  best way for the other owners to NOT have to deal with the contract is t make sure Watson never sees the field, thus making the contract and Watson situation cancerous instead of an example.

In the end, this will send a message loud and clear to the other owners......don't break the "Bro Code" and give out dumb ass contracts just to win.  This is on top of the NFL owners not wanting back lash by not appearing tough on sexual assault, per MLB's suspension of Bauer.

In regard to the Commish not wanting to use the Exempt List on Watson, the last time he said that was over a year ago.  Recently one of his aides was asked about it, and said "Nothing is currently off the table."  THAT is VERY teling because you'd think a Goodell aide would simply say "The Commish has not changed his stance on that subject" or something to that effect.

So some things to consider about why he hasn't been suspended yet. Until he's going to step on the field, there is no reason to suspend him.  The longer they wait the worse it is going to be in the end, mark my words.  As long as they suspend him before he steps on the field for his first pre-season game, it does not look bad on the NFL.  Also, the cases are still pending AND two more are being filed to bring it up to 26.  

Of note:  One of the recent ladies that filed has said she doesn't want money, will donate anything she gets or reject it, she only field because she wants Watson to tell the truth.  She was appalled by his attitude, and lies after seeing the HBO Special, and then joined the suit.

In my mind this isn't just about punishing DW, it's also about punishing the Browns for breaking every unwritten rule of the game.  The Browns gave a 100% guaranteed contract with TWICE as much guaranteed money as the next largest contract in NFL history.  The owners have to react to precedents in their future negotiations and the Browns just F'd over the rest of the owners.  I predict the owners make the consequences of that contract so toxic, that it will never be considered in future contract negotiations.

I believe the Commish will use the ongoing investigation to put DW on the Exempt List for the entire 2022 season.  This will have three effects:  #1 - It will show that the NFL is doing something, while in the meantime continuing to investigate;  #2 - It will get DW off the field; #3 - It will cancel out the Browns/DW's attempt to go around the punishment system, by having him sit at home and collect his 1 million dollar salary in 2022.

I believe DW will be given a MINIMUM 2 year suspension for 2023 and 2024.  This will have FOUR major effects.  #1 - Lengthy punishment comparable to what Trevor Bauer (MLB) received for far less severe and fewer incidents, thus shows that the NFL is serious about this kind of behavior and 1a tells the players that this kind of shyt won't be tolerated; #2 - DW will lose real money while suspended on the order of ~115 Mil USD, thus receiving double punishment for his actions and for trying to work around league justice; #3 - It will send a clear message to teams, players and agents not to design contract to circumvent the NFL's punishment rules; #4 - Behind closed doors the Browns will get the message that this was unacceptable and they better never do anything like this again.