Retired federal judge and independent disciplinarian Sue L. Robinson made the decision Monday, ESPN reported.
CNN has reached out to the NFL, the NFLPA and the Browns for comment.
Robinson heard Watson’s case in late June and was jointly appointed by the NFL and the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) under their collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Either side can now appeal in writing to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell within three business days, according to the CBA. Goodell or his designee “shall issue a written decision which shall constitute a full, final and complete resolution of the dispute and shall be binding on the player,” according to the CBA.
On Sunday night, the NFLPA and Watson released a joint statement saying they would not appeal regardless of the ruling and asked the NFL to do the same.
Watson did not play last season while a member of the Houston Texans due to investigations into allegations of misconduct, including sexual assault and harassment, involving more than two dozen women.
Watson, who was traded to the Browns in March, has repeatedly denied the allegations against him.
In June, Watson settled 20 of the 24 lawsuits filed by women who accused him of misconduct, according to a lawyer for the 24 accusers.
In July, 30 women who “brought or intended to bring claims” against the Houston Texans organization related to sexual misconduct allegations against Watson settled their claims, according to an announcement from plaintiffs’ attorney Tony Busby and a statement released by ownership of the Houston Texans.
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