At the meeting of NFL owners and coaches, Commissioner Roger Goodell also appears before the press. He also comments on the Deshaun Watson case, which has dogged the league for about a year.

Munich/Palm Beach – It was once again a press conference at which NFL boss Roger Goodell, at least to his taste, could talk too little about sports.

Primarily, it was about ongoing proceedings in and around the league. Against Dan Snyder of the Washington Commanders, Brian Flores against several teams – and also against Deshaun Watson.

Goodell: „We’ll take our time „

On the case surrounding Deshaun Watson, who is still facing 22 civil lawsuits, Goodell said, „Our people are taking care of the case. Obviously, these are serious allegations, but we’re taking our time,“ the commissioner said. „We are taking this matter very seriously.“

The 63-year-old is hopeful that the matter will be expedited by Watson’s acquittal under criminal law. „I hope it will give us quicker access to certain information,“ Goodell said in Palm Beach.

„There is no timetable for a decision on any suspension,“ the commissioner also revealed. „When all the facts are in, a person designated by the NFL and NFLPA [the players’ union, ed.] will look at it and make a decision,“ he continued.

In addition, Goodell believes it is „unlikely“ that the Cleveland Browns’ new quarterback will end up on the so-called Commissioners Exempt List unless the investigation is completed. In plain English, that means if there are no further findings between now and September, Watson will be on the field in week one.

Personal conversation between Goodell and Watson?

When asked if Goodell planned to talk to Watson, he was evasive. „We will talk to anyone who can give us useful information,“ the 63-year-old said.

„If the investigators ask me to do that, I will comply with that request. They know best what it takes to bring the truth to light,“ Goodell continued.

The 22 civil charges against the 26-year-old will be heard at a later date. The way Commissioner Goodell sounds, there will be no NFL suspensions while these proceedings are ongoing.