Perhaps NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is immune to dealing with controversies and legal action.
After all, that has been part of his job ever since he became the league’s highest official in 2006.
Some of the issues he has dealt with are Bountygate, Spygate, the referee lockout, and player brain damage.
This time, he could decide the fate of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is facing suspension due to violations of the league’s player conduct policy.
His case stems from the sexual misconduct cases filed against him and the NFL used some of those cases to push for an indefinite suspension.
However, former federal judge Sue Robinson recommended a six-game suspension for the Pro Bowl quarterback.
The league will appeal that decision and Goodell could have the final say.
ESPN’s Jeff Darlington provided some updates regarding the commissioner’s involvement.
Source also tells me Roger Goodell has not yet decided (or at least has not yet formalized a decision) whether he will rule on the appeal or if he will appoint a designee. Hard to imagine it won't be him at this point… considering the stage of the game. But that's up to him. https://t.co/ET3fjg9nkE
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) August 3, 2022
Darlington tweeted, “Source also tells me Roger Goodell has not yet decided (or at least has not yet formalized a decision) whether he will rule on the appeal or if he will appoint a designee. Hard to imagine it won’t be him at this point… considering the stage of the game. But that’s up to him.”
He added this in response to his post which said, “So what happens next? For starters, no new evidence or information will be considered in the appeal. But don’t expect an imminent decision. Watson’s camp (and the NFLPA) has until end of business Friday to submit their response to the NFL’s appeal brief. A ruling will follow.”
Update On Goodell’s Decision
There have been reports that Goodell will delegate the decision to someone who is not in the league office.
Therefore, it would take a bit of time before a verdict is finalized.
It’s the best scenario to keep the process unbiased.
After all, Goodell treats franchise owners as business partners and that relationship might affect his decision.