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Maybe Saturday, maybe Sunday, I’ll be in the mood to write an article with my thoughts on where Deshaun Watson’s disciplinary process is headed. Until then, you’ll have to watch the attached video for my assessment of what happened at the hearing and what might happen next.
My opinions are based largely, if not entirely, on our reports from Thursday regarding the information that was (and wasn’t) presented during the three-day hearing. The idea of the idea that my source had an agenda or whatever anyone was apparently suggesting today ignores three important realities: (1) I consider all possible agendas and biases before reporting anything; (2) Strive for accuracy, regardless of whether the source may have an incidental interest in the information being communicated; and (3) no narrative or agenda means anything because Judge Sue L. Robinson will ultimately determine the facts and then apply the Personal Conduct Policy to them.
I will share this important piece of information to better explain the context and reasoning behind Thursday’s report. People close to the action on this matter are VERY concerned about the potential public backlash to a finding of little or no discipline for Watson. Frankly, it is in everyone’s best interest (Watson, the Browns, the league, the team, the union, and Judge Robinson) that the general public be prepared for the very real possibility that Judge Robinson will not impose a suspension even close to the one the league has attempted to secure.
Again, none of this matters. Judge Robinson will make the decision. But as explained in the attached video, the facts will be critical. What did the NFL prove? So how does the Privacy Policy apply to these facts? That is something only she will judge and decide.
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