Deshaun Watson’s hearing before jointly appointed NFL and NFL Players Association disciplinary official Sue L. Robinson has ended after three days, a source told ESPN’s Dan Graziano on Thursday.
Watson’s hearing began Tuesday morning and ended Thursday evening.
Watson has been accused in civil lawsuits by 25 women for acts ranging from sexual assault to inappropriate behavior during massage sessions. The NFL has been pushing for a suspension for at least a year, according to Graziano, who reported that both sides have made multiple attempts to reach an agreement while the hearing is still underway, but have yet to come to an agreement.
According to Graziano, Robinson requested post-hearing notes to be submitted the week of July 11.
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No timetable has been set for Robinson’s decision. A source told Graziano that Robinson is expected to “take time.”
If the union or the league appeals the decision, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell or his designee “shall issue a written decision which shall constitute a full, final and complete resolution of the dispute,” under the terms of Article 46 of the collective bargaining agreement.
One of the 25 cases was dismissed after the judge ruled that the petition must be amended to name the plaintiff. Watson and 20 of the other plaintiffs agreed to settle their cases last week.
On Monday, one of the four active civil cases was amended to name Houston Texas as a defendant. That day, attorney Tony Busby, who at one time represented all 25 women, said in a statement that “the overwhelming evidence collected showing that the Houston Texans allowed Watson’s conduct is incredibly damning.”
Two grand juries in Texas declined to bring criminal charges against Watson earlier this year. Watson maintains his innocence.
The Texans traded Watson to the Browns in March after the first grand jury announced it would not indict him.
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