The language I heard described this afternoon sounds like the conduct policy is one of those things that is indisputable and the NFLPA has no chance in court. Plus the language in the decision from the judge makes it no doubt that the policy which the NFLPA signed off on in the CBA was violated.
I’m looking for Watson to be out the entire year.
Yeah, that's what I read, the appeal process was agreed to in the CBA and that appeal will be heard by Goodell or someone of his choosing (hahahahahaha).
She ruled on the merits that he's guilty, they'll ask simply for a different punishment. Not sure NFLPA will have much to stand on in federal court as this is all part of an agreed upon contract. They'll try to argue breach of contract, I guess. Not sure that works. Previous players took things to court but that was before this CBA where an arbitrator was put in place (an arbitrator that could be overruled by GOODELL!!!)
BUT... if Watson's camp thinks that fighting a 12 game suspension (let's say that's it) pushes the suspension into 2023, he'll start loosing some REAL game checks. He may just roll over and take it. There's a scenario where fighting this could cost him quite a bit more.
And interestingly enough... there's some talk of NFL mandating treatment.
If he had just taken the negotiation, it would have been 12 games and a fine. Now treatment will most likely be involved. Probably as it should be.