As expected, the National Football League (NFL) is appealing the suspension of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Cologne (SID) – The National Football League (NFL) is appealing the suspension of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, as expected. The 26-year-old had been sidelined for the first six games of the season on Monday by disciplinary commissioner Sue L. Robinson for sexual harassment. But the NFL wanted Watson to be suspended for at least the entire next season.

Watson, 26, allegedly arranged massages with numerous women between March 2020 and March 2021, 25 of whom pressed charges. Watson, then still with the Houston Texans, allegedly solicited sexual acts. The verdict was officially handed down for violations of the league’s rules of conduct.

Robinson, an independent disciplinary commissioner, had been jointly appointed by the NFL and the players’ union NFLPA. “The NFL has notified the NFLPA that it will appeal Judge Robinson’s disciplinary decision,” the league’s statement said on Wednesday. The union, which announced on Sunday that it would not appeal, now has two days to respond to the NFL move.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell can decide for himself who will hear the appeal. Watson signed a five-year contract with the Browns for $230 million guaranteed. The season begins on September 9.